Fort Dome goes pink to remind us all to Coppafeel!

Thursday 22 September 2016

The dome at Fort Regent will be turning pink today as the Coppafeel team return to the Island to remind us all to check our bodies for signs of breast cancer.

They are back to pass on what could be life-saving messages to hundreds more teenagers and are on the hunt for local "Boobettes" to join them as ambassadors for the charity, set up by Kris Hallenga, a young woman living with breast cancer.

Thanks to the JCG Foundation who have been hosting the team for the past two years, Kris and her team of "Boobettes" are back as special guests at seven school assemblies this week.

Kris was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago at the age of 23 and has been living with it ever since. She set up the website coppafeel.org with her twin sister Maren shortly after her diagnosis and is now on a mission to make sure young people everywhere know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, check themselves regularly and go to see their doctor is something doesn't feel right.

JCG sixth form student Kelly Gomes said: "The way Kris and the team make such a serious subject fun to talk about is really powerful.  I am now looking forward to helping Coppafeel share their message to more young people this year."

The JCG Foundation is also hosting another fun quiz night at Rojo's tonight and hope to meet people who want to sign up as Jersey "boobettes" and help the charity spread their message to everyone about the importance of checking our bodies. Meanwhile the Dome at Fort Regent will be staying pink throughout October for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer you need to be on the lookout for: 

• Changes in texture like puckering or dimpling;

• Lumps and thickening;

• Nipple discharge;

• Nipple inversion and changes in direction;

• Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone;

• Constant pain in your breast or armpit;

• Changes in size and shape;

• Rashes or crushing of the nipple or surrounding area.

You can find out more about the charity here.