October · UK & worldwide

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Eastbourne

Eastbourne is an East Sussex town served by Eastbourne District General Hospital's breast unit. Every October — across the UK and worldwide — communities come together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join Screen One More from Eastbourne and fund screening for women who have never had access.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Eastbourne

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October across the UK and worldwide. In Eastbourne, East Sussex, the campaign promotes early detection, encourages women to book their NHS breast screening appointment, and raises funds for breast cancer programmes — locally and in communities that lack access to care.

In Eastbourne, NHS England services offer free mammography screening to all women aged 50–71 every three years. If you live in Eastbourne and are registered with a GP, you will be automatically invited for screening. Women over 71 can self-refer by contacting their local NHS breast screening unit.

Breast cancer in Eastbourne: the local picture

Eastbourne, in East Sussex, has a population of around 103,745. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50, which is why NHS England offers routine screening from that age — but breast cancer can affect younger women too, so being breast aware at any age matters. Attending screening when you are invited gives women in Eastbourne the best chance of catching any change early.

The importance of early detection in Eastbourne

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in England. Around 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. The good news is that when detected early, the five-year survival rate in the UK exceeds 85%. Regular NHS screening and breast self-awareness are the two most effective tools available to every woman in Eastbourne.

The NHS recommends all women become "breast aware" — meaning they know how their breasts normally look and feel, so any change can be spotted early. The Touch–Look–Check (TLC) method is the NHS-recommended approach to self-awareness and takes only a few minutes.

Screen One More from Eastbourne

Screen One More is Breast Cancer Charity's October campaign. The pledge is simple: fund at least one complete screening (£25) for a woman in a low-income community who has never had a mammogram. Whether you live in Eastbourne or anywhere else, October is the moment to turn awareness into a measurable outcome — one more woman examined, one more chance to catch cancer early.

Pair your pledge with the 31-Day TLC Challenge: use Touch–Look–Check each day in October and share one fact about early detection. TLC self-examination guide →

How to get involved in Eastbourne this October

  • Join Screen One More — pledge £25 (or more) to fund one screening
  • Take the 31-Day TLC Challenge and share #ScreenOneMore on social media
  • Book or attend your NHS breast screening appointment if you're aged 50–71
  • Organise a workplace or community fundraiser and direct proceeds to screening access
  • Share the TLC method with the women in your life

Breast cancer awareness beyond Eastbourne

While breast cancer awareness in Eastbourne is well-established, millions of women in low-income communities worldwide have never had a breast examination. In many of these communities, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is around 40% — less than half the UK figure. The difference is not biology. It is access to screening, education and early diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Charity — an initiative of World Aid Network — funds mobile screening units, community health educators and subsidised treatment for women in the communities most at risk. This October, a donation from Eastbourne could fund a screening that saves a life on the other side of the world.

Frequently asked questions

Breast cancer screening in Eastbourne: your questions answered

Who can get free NHS breast screening in Eastbourne?
In Eastbourne, NHS England invites all women registered with a GP for free breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71. Women over 71 are not invited automatically but can still self-refer by contacting their local breast screening unit.
Where is breast screening available near Eastbourne?
Breast screening for Eastbourne is provided through NHS England. Appointments may take place at a local hospital breast unit or at a mobile screening van that visits community locations across East Sussex. If you think you are due an appointment and have not been invited, contact your GP or your local breast screening service.
What breast cancer symptoms should I look out for?
See a GP if you notice a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, a change in the size or shape of a breast, dimpling of the skin, a change in the position or appearance of a nipple, or any unusual discharge. Most breast changes are not cancer, but it is important to get them checked early.
How can people in Eastbourne support breast cancer charity work?
People in Eastbourne can join Breast Cancer Charity's Screen One More campaign each October — pledge to fund at least one screening (£25) for a woman in a low-income community. You can also share NHS screening and Touch–Look–Check guidance locally, organise a workplace or community fundraiser, and donate via [email protected]. Breast Cancer Charity is an initiative of World Aid Network and is not affiliated with other charities' branded October events.
What is Screen One More in Eastbourne?
Screen One More is Breast Cancer Charity's October campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (1–31 October, observed across the UK and worldwide). Supporters in Eastbourne pledge to fund at least one complete breast cancer screening (£25) for a woman who has never had a mammogram. Full guide: breastcancer-charity.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

Screen One More from Eastbourne

This October, turn awareness into action. One £25 pledge from Eastbourne funds a complete screening for a woman who has never had a mammogram.

Pledge Screen One More