Health focused in October

October is a significant month. Not only is it Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it also holds World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and International Stammering Awareness Day.  We would like to share some important information about each of these, along with some resources to assist anyone in need.

article body image

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 15% of all new cancer cases.

Cancer can be caused by both genetic and environmental impacts. However, it is important to note that most people will never know exactly what caused theirs.

Genetic factors include race, age, family history, obesity, and dense breast tissue.

Environmental factors include a poor diet, drinking alcohol, and radiation to the chest.

Not everyone who develops breast cancer connects with these factors outlined above. 

Actually, 60 to 70% of people diagnosed with it, don’t have a connection at all.

A monthly, at home breast inspection can help early detection. You can also schedule a clinical examination or a mammogram.

More information and Resources on Breast Cancer 

If you or a loved one are facing breast cancer, or are simply interested in learning more, here are some resources for you.

Cancer Research UK Breast Cancer Resource Centre

MacMillan breast cancer forum

Breast Cancer UK resources

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day

On Saturday, October 14th it is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. 

On this day, we celebrate this care and advocate for access around the globe.

Hospice and Palliative care reduces the amount of suffering one faces at the end of their life or while facing a life-limiting illness.

Over 75% of the world’s population lacks adequate access to the medications needed to treat their pain. 

So, on this day we bring awareness to this issue and many raise funds to ensure care is accessible to those who need it.

More information and Resources on Hospice and Palliative Care

If you are interested in learning more about this type of care or could use resources to help you get through this time, we have added some useful links below.

NHS end of life resources & support

Crossroads hospice resources

End of life & palliative care toolkit for patients & carers

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

29% of children in the UK are living in poverty. People living in poverty face daily struggles including unsafe housing and lack of access to healthy and nutritious food. 

In many cases, they also have limited access to health care. Following COVID-19, we have seen a terrible step backwards in tackling poverty and it is now more important than ever to make a change, donate where you can, and advocate for the people it affects.

More information and Resources on Poverty

In the UK, there are resources available to help those facing poverty.

CAB: low-income advice

Chances for Children grants

International Stuttering Awareness Day

Every year on 22 October we observe International Stuttering Awareness Day. 

This day shares valuable insight and connects many people with resources that could help them with their stammer.

Many studies look at stuttering as a neurological disorder, but it could also be caused later in life by a head injury, stroke, certain drugs, or emotional trauma.

Support from STAMMA

Westutter.org

Action for Stammering Children


Here at the Health Lottery, we are always looking for new ways to spread awareness, be present, and support vital health causes in Britain. We hope this information has been helpful.

If you’re interested in learning more about some of the incredible charities and foundations we support at The Health Lottery, please visit our good causes page.

To help us continue to make a difference, join us for our next draw.

The current society benefitting from funds raised is EWM Health CIC T/A HL West Midlands

The Health Lottery operates on behalf of 6 Community Interest Companies (CICs), managing 6 society lotteries that operate in 12 geographical regions across Great Britain. These exist to help tackle health inequalities in their respective areas. People’s Health Trust (PHT) is an independent charity that assesses grant applications and award funding across the 12 regions. Read about some of the good causes HERE. For information regarding all funded projects or to submit a grant application visit PHT HERE. 20.34% of every lottery draw ticket and online scratchcard purchased is donated to good causes. 36.02% is spent on prizes. 43.64% is spent expenses (actual expenses exceed this figure). Our average annual proceeds from lotteries are £12.5m. The odds of winning The Big Win jackpot are (1 in 2.1m) and the odds of winning any Big Win prize is (1 in 9.7). The odds of winning the All or Nothing jackpot is (1 in 1.35m) and the odds of winning any All or Nothing prize is (1 in 4.5). The odds of winning a QuickWin jackpot is (1 in 2.1m) and the odds of winning any QuickWin prize is (1 in 6). All winning lottery numbers are selected using an approved random number generator (RNG). Click on the links below for full T&Cs and FAQs for each of our games.

Please help us to support vital health causes in your community. Each of the 6 society lotteries is licensed by the Gambling Commission.