Pink Friday at FT Recruitment: Wearing Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Pink Friday at FT Recruitment: wearing pink for a cause that matters

The FT Recruitment office looked a little different on Friday. Desks, phones and job boards were the same as ever, but the team swapped the usual workwear for every shade of pink we could find. Pink t-shirts, pink jumpers, pink headbands, pink socks and even a pair of pink slippers all made an appearance.

It was all for Pink Friday, our way of showing support for breast cancer awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The idea is simple. By wearing pink together, we stand with everyone affected by breast cancer, from the people going through diagnosis and treatment to the families, friends and colleagues who stand beside them.

Three FT Recruitment team members in pink tops smiling in the office on Pink Friday — The team in pink at the FT Recruitment office in Measham.

FT Recruitment team member in a bright pink t-shirt and pink headband giving two peace signs — The team in pink at the FT Recruitment office in Measham.

Why we wear pink

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Around 55,000 women and about 400 men are diagnosed every year, which means almost everyone knows someone who has been affected. In an office like ours, where we speak to hundreds of local people every week, that is never far from our minds.

A day like Pink Friday is a light-hearted way of starting a serious conversation. It gets people talking about something that can feel awkward to raise, and it reminds all of us to look after ourselves and the people around us.

Check yourself, know the signs

The biggest message behind the pink is early detection. Breast cancer found early is far more treatable, and the best person to spot a change is you. It takes a few minutes and can be done in the shower, in front of a mirror or lying down.

Things to look out for include:

A new lump or an area of thickened tissue in either breast or armpit
A change in the size, shape or outline of one or both breasts
Dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin
A change in the appearance of the nipple, such as it becoming sunken or inverted
Discharge from the nipple, or a rash or crusting around it
Constant pain in the breast or armpit

Most changes will not be cancer, but any change that is new or unusual for you should be checked by a GP. Do not wait and see. Men can get breast cancer too, so the same advice applies to everyone.

If you are aged 50 to 71 and registered with a GP in England, you will be invited for NHS breast screening every three years. Please go when you are invited. If you are over 71 you can still ask for screening.

Two FT Recruitment colleagues in pink standing together in the office — From pink jumpers to pink socks, everyone found a way to join in.

Two FT Recruitment colleagues in pink jumpers at a desk — From pink jumpers to pink socks, everyone found a way to join in.

A team that looks after people

Looking after people is what we do all day at FT Recruitment. We find work for people across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands, and we get to know our candidates and clients properly. Pink Friday is a small extension of that. If one person in our office, or one person reading this, checks themselves this week because of it, then the pink has done its job.

A huge thank you to everyone on the team who dug out something pink and got involved. The photos say it all.

Where to find support

If you or someone close to you is worried about breast cancer, help is available:

NHS: breast cancer symptoms and screening
Breast Cancer Now, including their free helpline on 0808 800 6000
Macmillan Cancer Support for practical, emotional and financial help

A little pink can help spread a big message. Check yourself, know the signs and never underestimate the importance of early detection.