October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Northeast Health Wangaratta is keen to get people thinking about early detection and support services.

NHW's breast cancer service will again have the backing of local business Donna Bella Lingerie during the month.

Each October, the business proudly decorates its Murphy Street shop in pink, and donates $1 from every bra sold directly to the NHW Breast Cancer Service.

This year, owner Lisa Startin and her team have added a pink tree displayed on their wall; every customer who donates can place a ribbon on the tree, helping to create a powerful symbol of community support.

Last year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraising helped purchase vouchers for local breast cancer clients, allowing them to buy a post-operative bra from Donna Bella.

Lisa and her team have been long-time supporters of the service, providing not only fundraising support but also offering a specialist range of post-operative bras, prosthesis fitting and prosthesis purchasing for clients following a mastectomy.

Last year, the business raised $600 through the October promotion.

"Donna Bella’s ongoing support makes a real difference for local people going through breast cancer treatment," NHW chief executive officer Libby Fifis said.

"We are so grateful for their generosity and commitment to our community."

The World Health Organisation has set the theme for this year's awareness month as 'Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters'.

This theme offers a reminder that every breast cancer diagnosis is a person, and behind every diagnosis is a story, representing a diverse range of experiences and reinforcing the need for compassionate, timely and quality care.

The NHW Breast Cancer Service is free, and community members can contact the team any time for information, support and resources.

Particularly during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NHW encourages locals to be breast aware by:

* checking their breasts monthly;

* booking a mammogram every two years if age-eligible; and

* reporting any changes, no matter how small, to their doctor straight away.

For more information about breast cancer awareness, visit the websites of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) or BreastScreen Victoria.