Learning the #artofboob

Hello wonderful people! 

Well, I'm guessing you're all wonderful, you did find your way onto my blog after all!

Just over a week ago I travelled to Farringdon in London to complete my Uni Boob Team Leader training. A wonderful day, full of boob-chat and it was completely inspiring. 
I even got to meet the founder of CoppaFeel! herself, Kris Hallenga, which for me was slightly surreal, as I'd only ever seen Kris on TV or in the media. So, although I know she's a totally normal, lovely person, I found myself fangirling a little inside. 

Being an outsider and seeing what Kris has achieved in such a short time with CoppaFeel! leaves me almost in awe, and meeting her was a complete surprise. It was great to hear her story straight from her own mouth, and it made the work I'll be doing with CoppaFeel! feel even more special and meaningful; to see first hand why their message is so important.

The training was held in the offices of one of their partners, Karmarama, in London. After getting a little lost (I was stood directly outside and didn't realise I was there!), I made my way past the llama and giant rainbow-coloured tunnel (yes, you read that correctly!) into our room for the day.

A rounded room with a table full of notebooks and biscuits, with a wall of TVs opposite brandishing the CoppaFeel! logo. I just felt so comfortable, and a table with stationary and food? That's all you need in life, right?! I wish I'd taken my own picture of the set-up - it was definitely the most awesome meeting room I've ever had the pleasure to be in, but luckily Sinead (who's in charge of us awesome UBTs!) took a picture on Snapchat. So, I shamelessly stole it. Below is a couple of pictures, to help you try and envisage where we were!

I met some other lovely UBT Leaders, from Glasgow, Sheffield and Leeds to name a few, and we chatted boob all day! We learnt how to approach people who may not know CoppaFeel!, and how to communicate the importance of boob-checking. Ideas were flying all over the room about how to do this, and how to raise awareness and money in fun and educational ways. I won't say anymore than that, but it's safe to say us UBTs have plenty up our sleeves this year!

One important thing to get across to young people is that, just because the chance of getting cancer at our age is a lot less likely, it's not impossible. We're not here to scaremonger people - quite the opposite! We just want you to be aware and we want you to know your own body, as it could save your life one day.

Something to point out is, just because it may not affect you now, doesn't mean it never will. We all know the horrifying statistics, but knowing your boobs and body now could very well save you later on in life. If you don't know what's normal or not, you may catch something in a later stage when it's far less treatable. Copping a feel doesn't take long, and it can make such a difference!

This year there are 66 Uni Boob Teams up and down the UK - we will be at your Freshers Fairs, and we will be at the big events as well as running our own. Look out for the boobs and come say hi to us!

We want you to sign up to a text reminder service, where CoppaFeel! will text you once a month COMPLETELY FREE to remind you to check your boobies! What's not to love? Almost everyone has a phone practically glued to their hands, so you can't possibly miss their text. And, thanks to the witty Sinead who is CoppaFeel!'s social media guru, the texts are rather entertaining. They certainly give me a little giggle when they come through!

If you're interested in signing up to the text reminder service, go to coppafeel.org OR text 'UBT BIMM' to 70500. It won't cost a thing - promise, hand on heart! Your university may have their own code, so it might be worth checking that out. But if you truly can't find it, sign up anyway! As long as you're getting the monthly reminder text, that's all that matters!

Overall, my day with CoppaFeel! was a truly great experience, and I can't wait for the boob-filled year ahead.

Check out these social media links below - irregular posts are thing of the past, and we've got plenty of cool things lined up, so keep a lookout!

CoppaFeel!
Website: http://coppafeel.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coppafeel.org?fref=ts
Twitter: @CoppaFeelPeople
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/khallenga
Snapchat: coppafeelpeople

UBT BIMM Bristol
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UBTBIMM?fref=ts
Twitter: @UBTBIMMBristol

Kris Hallenga
Twitter: @KrisPoB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxuRna_Vn1AV5SQmKPChCcw

Until next time,

Caitlin xxx

A New American Dream

Hello boob friends! It's me again!

Sorry for the delay on this blog - I've been moving into university! Yes, you heard me, moving. I've moved all my stuff in, and then I leave on Saturday - not what normally happens, but hey ho, I'm looking forward to it! (Also there's lots of exciting CoppaFeel! things happening, so I'll update you on that soon!)

As you might have read in a previous blog post, I was in America working at a summer camp. For eight weeks I lived and taught music in the state of Maryland, and I loved it! (Tweet me @Cakey_Cait for more info, I'm a campus manager for AmeriCamp and I could help you work the American dream too!) BUT ANYWAY. This blog is boob related, promise!

Whilst I was there, I was lucky enough to make lots of friends, both American and international (Scottish, Israeli, Irish!), and I learnt a lot about their cultures and what they were taught in school. In turn, they learnt a lot about me, including my passion and future involvement with the charity CoppaFeel!

A few of the British councillors had heard of CoppaFeel! and the work they do, but none of the Americans had. This is, of course, completely understandable - CoppaFeel! was set up in Britain by British people (Kris and Maren Hallenga) in 2009, and as of yet their work has not travelled over the pond.

When I explained to my new American friends what CoppaFeel! was all about, and why I liked the charity, I realised that I hadn't heard of any American organisations or charities that were similar - none were suggested to me by my friends, and from the research I did afterwards, I didn't find anything quite like CoppaFeel! 

Of course, America is a big place. There may very well be charities that do work just like CoppaFeel!, who get young women to check their boobs on a regular basis. But, so far, I haven't found any. This got me thinking about how much my American friends knew about breast cancer. Knowledge on the subject is patchy amongst people my age, some know far more than others, and it is the same in America as it is over here. We are not overly educated on cancer in school, and for me personally I was not told at school that I should check myself or what I should be looking out for. My mum did a good job of teaching me about that, but not everyone is so lucky. There are still young women all over the world who don't know their boobs or bodies - so how can they know if the changes they are going through are normal or not?

What I would like to see in the future, a new dream if you will, would be:

 

1) the education system incorporating more boob and body chat into the curriculum (blogs on this in the future) 

and

2) CoppaFeel!'s messages being spread in other countries! This is a big ask, I know. I don't expect it to be any time soon - America is a huge place, and CoppaFeel! isn't the largest charity out there. But, what they do is so important, and one day it'd be great to know my American friends have the same access to their info/advice as I do.

As I said earlier, there are lots of CoppaFeel! things happening really soon - still so excited and happy to be a Uni Boob Team Leader! Find out more about those here: http://uniboobteam.com

Ta ta for now, speak to you soon!

Caitlin xxx

This Is My Fight Song

It's been a while... I have my reasons, honest!

For the last 3 months, I've been working and travelling in America. 
Being a music counsellor at Camp Louise in Maryland is definitely one of the best things I have EVER done - if you ever considered summer camp work across the pond, just do it. I can't recommend it enough; it's changed me for the better, and I've made some true life-long friends. And, as for travelling afterwards, it's made me even more independent than I already was, I'm far more adaptable to change, and I feel like a stronger person.

Which is where this blog's message comes into play.

But first, the title of this blog? Well, you might have heard Rachel Platten's number 1 hit song, I know I have - it's all they played at camp! What I love about the song, other than it's catchy tune and feel-good lyrics, is the different ways you can interpret what she says. It's not just about fighting back, not just about taking control of your life again - it's also about being a stronger person despite whatever life has thrown at you.

Which, for me, goes hand-in-hand with CoppaFeel!'s message. 

They want us to know our bodies. They want us to check, feel, understand, and then, we might need to be strong.

Fighting any battle takes courage, but fighting cancer takes an inner strength that I don't think we always know is there until we need it.

But the first step is copping a feel.

In 'Fight Song', Platten sings about having "a lot of fight left in me". This is something I believe we can all relate to in many aspects of life. But as I'm gathering a team at university to unite with CoppaFeel!, I want this to be a slogan we stick by. We're going to continue the fight started by those before us, we're going to continue spreading the message, we're going to use our inner strength but still have "a lot of fight left" in us.

I have another blog to come with some facts which, quite frankly, shocked me about the knowledge of the American ladies I met when it came to knowing the facts and checking themselves on the regular. It's very different to the amount we know here in the UK, and I have some ideas to combat this, so watch out for that blog soon.

Until then, future Uni Boob Team members, I'm so happy you're interested in helping! I can't wait for you to join me, we're going to have so much fun sharing CoppaFeel!'s awesome messages.

And lastly, I received my text message yesterday from CoppaFeel!'s reminder service, so why not give yourself a check before class, before you make that third cup of tea of the day, before you hop in the shower. It doesn't take long - and it could save your life.

Caitlin x x x

'Moobs'

Do you have moobs? Or are you in denial? Guess what - all guys have them!

'Moobs', aka 'man boobs', can be a touchy subject amongst the male community. In fact, probably just as sensitive as the topic of boobs are amongst women!

But, here on this blog, I'm trying to make that topic a little easier to talk about - why be ashamed or embarrassed about what they look like/what size they are/the problems that can come with them? Don't be! We're all in the same booby-boat after all. Lets be each other's boob-friend and boob-adviser.

But guys, I'm addressing you specifically in this blog. I'm not picking on you, but it's time to quit it - you have boobs too! They are, most of the time, significantly smaller and less shapely. And, luckily for you guys, they tend to have less of a life of their own - no sports bra for you whilst on your morning jog! However, you need start being more aware and cautious of what comes with the boob-lifestyle.

I'm sure you're all clued up on the dangers of cancer in general, but specifically testicular cancer in men. You know to check your trouser snakes regularly (trouser snake, what a great term!). Well, it's the same for us ladies - downstairs AND upstairs. Knowing your body means recognising an abnormality, and in turn it can mean saving your life.

So why should your 'man-boobs' be any different?

I think a lot of men don't like to think of themselves with 'boobs', perhaps because they are predominantly a female trait (duh!). So are they protecting their 'masculinity'? Or are they conscious of their weight? Does having 'moobs' make you fat? No no no!

Whatever size you are, it does not rule out the possibility of cancer. Does having a below average penis size mean you can't be affected by testicular cancer? No! Boob size is no different.

Breast cancer campaigns are, quite rightly, mainly aimed at women. Specifically, CoppaFeel! try and encourage young women to learn about self-checking, amongst the other important messages they spread. However, it is slowly coming to the publics attention that it is not just women affected. More and more charities are encouraging men to be aware of what breast cancer is, and what it means. 'Cause guys, you are not immune to this.

As I'd ask every woman, I'd now ask every man to start checking themselves on a regular basis. If you have routine for your downstairs area, incorporate the upstairs! Remember, you're not looking for anything - you just need to know your body. All the natural lumps and bumps, the shape, the textures. If there's anything unusual, or something that wasn't there before, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Another stereotype associated with men, is that they don't like going to the doctor. Is it a sign of weakness? I don't think so. I think it's a sign of clear thinking, of level headedness, and of a sensible mind. Why not bother? It could save your life after all. No-one can think of you as weak or stupid for that.

If you're unsure of what to do when checking yourself, check out the links below. Even if they seem aimed towards women, they apply to you too! Of course, it is far more common and far more likely to affect women, but it doesn't mean you should consider yourself unaffected - check yourself and rule yourself out, guys. 
And, if you think you're really rubbish at that sort of thing, get your girlfriend, wife, friend, sister to do it for you! We don't care how you do it, just as long as you do!

Check out these links for tips and info:

http://coppafeel.org/boob-check/

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cancer-of-the-breast-male/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/understanding-cancer/mens-breasts.html

http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/video/how-to-check-yourself/how-to-check-your-breasts/

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/rare-cancers/rare-cancers-name/breast-cancer-in-men

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/about-breast-cancer/men-breast-cancer

Thanks for reading, until next time,

Caitlin xxx

Boobs are back in Blighty

Hello everyone!

Sorry I've been absent for a couple of weeks, I've been getting used to being back in the UK! 

For those of you who didn't know, I've been travelling in Australia for two months, and coming back to England shook me up a bit - jet lag is a cruel mistress, and I just miss Australia very much! :(

However, I am extremely happy to see my family and friends, and to be back blogging for you guys!

Now, I can't promise these blogs will be regular over the summer. I am going off on another gap year adventure in the USA! From June 14th I will be a music counsellor for a summer camp in Maryland for two months; I will try and blog on my days off/whilst travelling afterwards, but you might not see me for a while, and I can only apologise in advance for that. Sorry!

But the good news for the blog is, after I return I will be moving to Bristol permanently, where I will be running the Uni Boob Team for CoppaFeel! And (hopefully!), I will get a team of eager and excited BIMM Bristol students together to help raise awareness for this awesome charity.

BIMM's status in the music industry is on the up, after artists like George Ezra (BIMM Bristol) and James Bay (BIMM Brighton) have been smashing the charts with 'Budapest' and 'Hold Back The River'. So I'm hoping to get some music events up and running, all in the aid of CoppaFeel! - but for that we'll have to wait and see!

CoppaFeel! is already using music in a great way to spread their important messages, not least with 'FestiFeel'. I'd been wanting to go to CoppaFeel!'s 'FestiFeel' for a couple of years, and finally this year I am able to! It may be my official first weekend at university, but I've already bought my ticket for the event, and I can't wait to be in London on October 10th to see some awesome acts all in aid of CoppaFeel!

If you're interested in going to the event, or just want to know what it's all about, click here: https://dice.fm/festifeel-10-oct

In preparation for my work as UBT Team Leader at BIMM Bristol next year, I've had to set up a couple of social media accounts. I know every company/group/celebrity has them now, but I promise you ours won't be full of nonsense! Interesting and important events will be announced on there, as well information about how you could get involved with CoppaFeel!. I'll also be posting links to my blog posts on there, so it'll be an easier way to know when I've written something!

If you'd LIKE (!) to 'Like' our Facebook Page, please follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/UBTBIMM

And our newly set up Twitter Page is here: https://twitter.com/UBTBIMMBristol (it will get more lively as the year goes on, I promise!).

I think that's about all I had for you today, sorry it was a short and random one! 

Posts should be more regular whilst I'm in the UK, and I have an interesting topic to discuss very very soon (ooh intriguing!).

Hope you're all well, and remember to always copp a feel!

Caitlin xxx

A Couple of Things...

Hey guys and gals!

Today I'm filling you in on TWO things. First, 'The C Word':

"But Caitlin, we've read your blog before, we know what the 'c word' means" ah HA! Well, okay, I would hope you do, but what I'm actually referring to is a TV programme of the same name.

Airing on BBC1 at 8:30PM on Sunday 3rd May, 'The C Word' is the real life story of Lisa Lynch who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. She wrote a blog about her cancer journey, the ups and downs and everything in between. It's funny, witty, and most definitely real.

Before she died, Lisa was involved with the making of the programme, including asking Sheridan Smith to play the role of herself, Lisa. Sheridan is, in my opinion, one of Britain's greatest and most versatile actresses, so I know she would have given it everything she had; all her passion and feeling.

Sheridan is now a patron for CoppaFeel! since meeting Kris Hallenga, our founder. Kris can also be seen in 'The C Word' playing herself - she was Lisa's friend and had found comfort in her blogs when she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 23. Kris wrote a blogpost about being in the show, and what it means to her. If you'd like to read it, click this link and scroll down: http://boobchiefkris.tumblr.com

It would mean a lot to me personally if everyone could tune in to BBC1 at 8:30PM on Sunday. The show will be an eye-opener, a tear-jerker, but it most importantly carries a lot of serious messages. I think there will be a lot we can learn from Lisa's story, the first step is watching the programme.

This article about 'The C Word' includes sneek peek videos and some extra information: http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/news/celebrity/2015/05/01/sheridan-smith-the-c-word-bbc1-tv-show-news

The second thing I wanted to mention was an event that is happening, ALSO on Sunday 3rd May! It's the Liverpool 10K Run!

Now, I'm not much of a runner myself (I tend to go as red as a tomato!), but neither is our founder Kris, yet she's still taking part! I say this with confidence, as she has admitted to hating running, and is a member of the 'Unlikely Runners Club' which she created with her friend. 

Even so, Kris always has been, and always will be, a giver. And, despite having and receiving ongoing treatment for cancer, she will be running the 10K course in Liverpool on Sunday. She hasn't even completed it yet and I'm proud of her!

Of course, she's running on behalf of CoppeFeel!, alongside her friend Georgette and CoppaFeel! patron Newton Faulkner. If I could, I'd love to go and cheer her on, but I can't - if any of you are in Liverpool on running day, go along and encourage them! They'll be the ones with the giant boobs strapped to their backs!

What we can all do, and what I have already done, is donate. Any spare pennies you have would be hugely appreciated. I know there are a lot of deserving charities out there, all hoping to receive money from kind and generous members of the public. My only case is, I think CoppaFeel! is very important. Spreading awareness and self-checking is life-changing. Knowing your body could be what saves your life. So any money you can spare would be put to great use by CoppaFeel!. If you'd like to donate, please follow this link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=Krisdoesrunning 

or text 'KRIS' to 70300 to donate £5.

If you can't donate, don't worry! Sharing the donation page or this blog would also be helpful, and we might reach someone else that is able to donate. Sharing is, after all, still caring!

Thanks again for reading - don't forget to tune in 'The C Word' on BBC1, and have a look at Kris's 10K sponsorship page.

Remember, always try to 'coppafeel'!

Caitlin xxx

P.S!! 'Festifeel' 2015 earlybird tickets are available now! Go download the app 'DICE FM' to grab a ticket, and there's no booking fees! With a lineup chosen by Fearne Cotton to be announced, it's going to be a great show, so don't miss out! Click HERE for more info!

Vital Changes Need To Be Made

Hello again!

It's been a few days since I last spoke with you, but I wanted to share something that popped up on my Facebook page today:

                                                       C/O. Breakthrough Breast Cancer

This is the text that went along with it: 

"In 2005, 45% of women said they didn’t check their breasts because they didn’t know how. Last year, that figure was just 17%. This is brilliant progress, but we will not stop here. 

Alongside our monthly breast check reminder emails and social posts, Breakthrough Breast Cancer have been working equally hard to spread the message that checking your breasts regularly and being aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer could make all the difference to someone’s life. Their Touch Look Check (TLC) awareness message has been widely acclaimed by health professionals and here we take a closer look at how the idea was conceived and where it is going: http://bit.ly/1Gpruq8"

I shared this post from another Facebook friend. 

How many people do you think liked it? Zero.

How many people do you think SHARED it? Zero.

This frustrates me a little, not because I'm a Facebook-'like' hungry young adult, but because posts like this are important! We're past the "like for 'you're the one'" from when we were younger, naive and knew no better. Yes, we should be posting things that mean something to us, and not everyone would feel comfortable with sharing that image. But we SHOULD feel comfortable with it. ALL of us! It holds a very important message that needs to be spread, and social media is the best way to do that in this day and age where media and the internet rule the world.

Although my last blog post focused on CoppaFeel!, the charity I am involved with, it helps to remember there are others out there trying to get the same, important, message out there to the public. It shows just how many of us want to help the cause.

The post above by 'Breast Cancer Campaign' showcases an image and phrase promoted by 'Breakthrough Breast Cancer'. They are trying to spread the importance on checking your breasts, and their website has some useful tips on how to do this and what to look out for. There is also a helpful video, which I myself have watched, and would recommend to anyone who's unsure of how to check themselves. If you feel embarrassed about checking, this video will certainly help - if these woman can do it on camera, you can do it in the privacy of your home I'm sure!

Here is the link to Breakthrough Breast Cancer's website: http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/about-breast-cancer/touch-look-check

I think the 'TLC - Touch, Look, Check' campaign is a great one to follow - the instructions are simple, and it's easy to remember.

Of course, I would also recommend this page from the CoppaFeel! website: http://coppafeel.org/boob-check/

This has some extra info, plus links to websites if you'd like to find out more about checking you breasts.

From what I've learnt, sometimes it's easier to pick a date each month to give yourself a check. It's vital to know your own body, and especially when you're younger this can change throughout the month due to your periods and hormone levels fluctuating. Feeling your breasts at different points throughout the month is a good idea so you can identify these changes, but if you are a forgetful or busy person, picking a date is sometimes more suitable. Perhaps the first or last day of every month? Or your birthday, then repeat the check on that day each month?

If you're not sure you can even remind yourself, CoppaFeel! have a reminder service. In fact, we have several!

Go to this page here: http://coppafeel.org/remind-me/ to find out how CoppaFeel! can remind you to check your boobs, and maybe sign up a friend! Don't abuse the power of knowing your friends phone number, but a monthly boob check text? Maybe she'd be cool with that (I'd get her approval first though!).

I hope this post has encouraged a few more of you to share important messages online - use your power and influence on the internet for the greater good! And please click on the links throughout the post to find out how you can check yourself and what the signs to look out for are.

Until next time,

- Caitlin xxx