October has made its debut for 2025 already: The weather has started to get a bit nippy, the group chat is fussed over which costume to choose, and Freshers’ Flu lurks behind every corner. That’s right, it’s scary season.
But these next few weeks also mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to increase public understanding of breast cancer, encourage early detection, and raise funds for research and support.
So, here are some ways students are doing their part to support those battling breast cancer, and how you can help raise awareness of the disease too.
UniBoob Exeter pop-ups
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First and foremost, it’s important to understand how to self-check for breast cancer, and to know the impacts and available treatments if you’re affected.
It’s a rarely known fact that men can get breast cancer too, although this occurs less often than in women. However, being aware of early symptoms could prevent worsening ill health in future.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the aim is to destigmatise and promote confidence, alongside raising funds towards the treatment and support of those impacted by breast cancer.
According to the Uni Boob team, about one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and about 400 men will be diagnosed in the UK every year.
The Exeter Uni Boob team collaborates with CoppaFeel!, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about the causes of breast cancer and available treatments, with a focus on young and vulnerable demographics in discussions on health and awareness.
To kick off the month with encouraging self-check-ups and answering questions, the Exeter Uni Boob team hosted a pop-up in the forum last Friday.
If you missed them, you can find out more about how to check symptoms here.
Read more: Coppafeel!
Charity run with Sunset Strides
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The Sunset Strides are an all-girls running club promoting health and community among university students in a positive, encouraging environment.
The club meets at 9am on Thursdays and Sundays at 10am in front of The Sunset Society, a lovely coffee shop where many of the runners enjoy a coffee and chat afterwards.
Usually, participation is totally free, but to raise funds for Coppafeel!, the Strides requested a £2 ticket to join the upcoming run on Sunday.
The Sunset Strides encourage all levels of runners to join in, and a wide range of paces are found at the club’s biweekly meetings.
Sunday’s run for Coppafeel! ended at around 5 km, and whether people walked or sprinted, the most important aspect was to give it a go to show support.
Participants were encouraged to wear pink and received cute bows to commemorate their experience, managing to raise over £200.
Go Shopping!
Not much into running? You can still do your part, donate and get yourself something nice just by doing a little shopping!
Asda, Next and Boux Avenue are some of the various brands partnering with Coppafeel! to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the sale of limited edition items. So, why not put your student loan to good use?
You can view brand partnerships here.
But whichever way you decide to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the most important things are to stay safe, stay educated and take the time to get yourself checked out.
