Battling breast cancer is the aim of two prominent organisations who are making special efforts this month to raise cash and improve our knowledge ofthe disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout Bucks its supporters will be out to raise both awareness and funds.

Breakthrough is the UK's leading charity committed to fighting breast cancer. They are supported by Buckinghamshire fundraising organisations including the Central London Group (CLG), who work in Bucks.

For the past four years they have organised a fashion show at Ambers in Amersham, which involves professional models showing the new designer ranges of clothing.

The events have been a success for the past few years, and Barbara Upsdell, who sits on the committee of the CLG, believes this year will continue the trend.

Last year the event raised over £4,000 for Breakthrough in ticket sales.

It has brought awareness to new people at the same time: "A lot of Ambers' clients now support Breakthrough," said Mrs Upsdell.

She says that they have been well-supported by Ambers' owner Alasdair Cameron.

The events also include a raffle, and CLG will hand out literature to all those who attend to increase awareness of the charity and breast cancer itself.

There will also be pink pins on sale to raise funds. These can also be purchased for £1 at several high street retailers. Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, H&M, Coast and Long Tall Sally are all selling the pins.

Breastcancer Care are a second major UK charity who are looking for support this month. They have launched In The Pink Day for October 21.

They are selling pins and wristbands through several other Bucks high street retailers, including Dorothy Perkins, Asda, Boots, and Caffe Uno. For more information about both of these charity drives, the website addresses can be found below.

The term breast cancer actually refers to a large family of cancers that can develop in any part of the breast tissue. The most common types of breast cancer start in the glandular tissue and the most common of all in the ducts Breakthrough says that awareness is the most important factor for women.

Dr Sarah Rawlings, Head of Policy at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, says: "Early detection is vital for prompt treatment and improving the chances of survival."

TLC Touch Look Check is the simple message they want to get across to women.

Nearly 80 per cent of all breast cancers are detected by women who report unusual changes to their doctor.

Breast awareness means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, so you can be aware of any changes and check them out with your doctor as soon as possible.

The easiest way to look for changes to your breasts is by being aware of their usual shape and texture.

There is no need to follow a fancy routine, to keep a check on your health. You can check in any way that makes you feel comfortable in the bath or shower, when dressing, standing or lying down.

If you find anything unusual or are worried, you should talk to your GP.

Changes to look out for include: size or shape one breast might become larger or lower than the other, for example; skin texture such as puckering or dimpling of the skin; appearance or direction of nipple, one nipple might become inverted, for example; discharge one or both nipples might discharge a blood-stained liquid; rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area; lump in the breast or armpit; lumpy area or unusual thickening of breast tissue that doesn't go away after a period; pain in part of the breast or armpit that is unrelated to periods; remember that nine out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous.

For more information about breast cancer and about their fundraising efforts visit www.breakthrough.org.uk and www.breastcancercare.org.uk