Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Penny’s Journey & Top Tips

This is your Breast Cancer Awareness month reminder!

Regularly checking is so important trust me I know.

Have you checked your pumpkins this Halloween?

No doubt you will have seen a sea of pink this October as we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The word “celebrate” might feel like an oxymoron when we’re talking about the dreaded “C”, but there really is something worth celebrating: thanks to increased awareness, education, and campaigns such as Lorraine’s Change + Check, we are seeing more women diagnosed earlier. And with early detection comes hope — because the prognosis is far better when breast cancer is found sooner rather than later.

At The Hair and Skin Clinic, supporting people through cancer treatment and recovery is at the very heart of what we do. That’s why we are so proud to have Penny Mitchell, our dedicated Cancer Mentor, as part of the team. Penny has walked the path herself, having faced breast cancer head-on. Today, she supports our clients with warmth, empathy, and practical advice to help them through one of the toughest times in their lives.

Penny’s Story

Like many women, Penny’s diagnosis came as a complete shock. Life was busy, but Penny was regularly checking her breasts. While at work one day, she experienced a sharp shock pain in her armpit, akin to pins and needles. She felt the area and discovered a lump. What followed was a whirlwind of appointments, treatments, emotions, and uncertainty.

But Penny also talks about the unexpected positives that came with her journey. “I realised how strong I really was,” she shares. “Cancer changes your life, but it doesn’t take away who you are. I found that with the right support, I could take back some control and focus on small things each day that helped me feel more like myself.”

Now Penny uses her experience to mentor and guide others. She understands the physical and emotional impact of hair loss, skin changes, fatigue, and fear. Most importantly, she knows how much of a difference it makes to talk to someone who has truly been there.

Penny’s Tips on Checking

What Penny experienced, a “popping” of the tumor is not common by any means, but it does happen. The important thing to note is that Penny knew this was an unusual sensation for her and checked it.

Penny is passionate about encouraging everyone to be breast-aware and to make checking a habit. In her words:

“The sooner you check the sooner you can access the right support and treatment.”

Here are her top tips:

• Don’t just check your boobs. Check under your armpits too, using three fingers, and keep your arms relaxed rather than stretching them up.

• Stand in front of a mirror. This way you can see any changes underneath the breasts, such as puckering of the skin or skin discolouration.

• Set a monthly reminder on your phone. Making it part of your routine means you’re less likely to forget.

• Make it fun with friends. Create a WhatsApp group with a light-hearted name — “Press Your Pumpkins” or “Cup Your Cupcakes” — and remind each other to check regularly.

• Get into healthy habits. Penny suggests combining it with a little self-care: “Once a month is about you. Take time to have a relaxing bath and check. Bath, Bed and Boobs.”

• Know your boobs. It’s important to get familiar with what feels normal so that any changes, however small, can be noticed and addressed quickly.

  
  

Penny also stresses the importance of understanding screening:

“In the UK, mammograms are offered for women aged 50–70, but after 70 you can still refer yourself if you notice changes. Breast screening can also be offered to those under 50 if you’re at higher risk or have a family history. But remember — breast cancer is not only a disease for older women. According to Breast Cancer Now, around 2,300 women under 40 are diagnosed every year. And men are not immune either — around 370 men are diagnosed annually. I was under 50 when I received my diagnosis, and I’m so grateful I checked regularly. When I found a lump, I contacted my doctor immediately. Many people delay because they’re scared or hope it will go away — but it is critical to act quickly. Checking could save your life.”

How We Support You at The Hair and Skin Clinic

At The Hair and Skin Clinic, we are passionate about helping people feel more like themselves again during and after treatment. Whether you are experiencing hair loss, skin changes, or simply need a safe space to talk, Penny and our team are here for you.

From practical guidance on wigs, scalp care, and skin recovery, to emotional mentoring and a listening ear, our aim is to walk alongside you every step of the way.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we join the thousands of others across the country in spreading an important message: check yourself, talk about it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Early detection saves lives, and support makes the journey lighter.

If you’d like to learn more about Penny and how she supports our clients, you can meet her here. And if you or a loved one is currently navigating cancer treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

Together, let’s make pink more than just a colour this month — let’s make it a reminder of strength, hope, and the power of early detection.

Find out more about Penny 'here'.