About Breast Cancer Workshops – Coming to a town near you!
Leading local cancer charity the Ulster Cancer Foundation has launched a series of Breast Cancer awareness workshops across Northern Ireland, in association with Gordons Chemists.
The ABC (About Breast Cancer) workshops, which will be held in Gordons Chemists stores, are particularly aimed at women aged fifty years and over - the age range which is at a higher risk of developing Breast Cancer. The workshops will focus on advising women about being ‘Breast Aware’ and will start in October, to tie in with the Ulster Cancer Foundation’s ‘Think Pink!’ Breast Cancer awareness campaign.
The ABC workshops will complement the Northern Ireland breast screening programme, which offers screening to all women in Northern Ireland aged between 50 and 64 years of age.
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive of the Ulster Cancer Foundation said, ”All women in this age group are invited for breast screening every three years. However, as the screening takes place across Northern Ireland in a three year cycle, some women may be 53 years of age before they are called for their first screening appointment.
“In these circumstances, it becomes even more important that women know what is normal for them and report any change to their doctor. However, many women in this age-group are uncertain how to do a self-examination and so we will be holding a series of workshops to help explain what women should be looking out for – dimpling or thickening of the breast, changes in size or shape, unusual pain or discomfort or nipple discharge or rash.
“The workshops are intended to educate women and encourage them to be Breast Aware in between screening appointments. We will also be emphasising to women that they still need to attend their screening appointment when invited to do so.”
Dr Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland welcomed the introduction of the Breast Cancer workshops. He said, “This initiative will be beneficial to many women who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. I would also stress though, that it is important for women of all ages to be Breast Aware. All women should know their own breasts and be aware of what is normal for them.
“These workshops should give women the confidence they need to examine themselves and report any changes to their GP. I am delighted that the workshops will also be highlighting the importance of attending breast screening appointments. Although uptake of screening has been increasing in Northern Ireland – 74.6% in 2004/05 as compared to 71.4% in 2000/2001 – there is still room for improvement. Almost one in four women are putting their lives at risk by not taking up their screening appointment.
“I understand that it can be very worrying to find a change in the breast but I would like to reassure women that early detection will result in early treatment and an improved outcome. Early detection is the key.”
One woman who knows the value of attending her screening appointment is Pat McGreavy from Belfast who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer after her first mammogram. Pat explains, “the radiologist explained that although there wasn’t a lump, there was ‘suspicious tissue’. To investigate it further I had three needle tests and a cone biopsy which was sent to the hospital for testing.
“Three days later I got the result that I was dreading – I had breast cancer. My husband, family and I were all devastated at the news. Two weeks later I went into hospital for a partial mastectomy and the removal of some lymph glands. My early diagnosis meant that I was lucky and only needed a low dose of chemotherapy so I didn’t loose my hair.
“I’m so glad that I attended that first screening appointment – I really am living proof that early detection can save your life. I can’t emphasize enough how important screening is and my advice to all women is, if you get an invitation – please accept it, it could save your life!
Commenting on the joint initiative with the Ulster Cancer Foundation, Robert Gordon, co-founder of Gordons Chemists said, “As a community-based pharmacy dedicated to promoting health awareness, we are delighted to be able to bring these fundamental workshops to local women on their own doorsteps.
“We are all very aware of the importance of early diagnosis and anything which can be done to assist with this and raise awareness of self examination and the importance of regular screening gets our full support and commitment.
“Our ongoing work with the Ulster Cancer Foundation has been strongly supported by Gordons Chemists’ customers province-wide and we look forward to a big take-up and response to these ABC workshops across all of our branches.”
The ABC workshops will be held at the following Gordons Chemists stores:
Ballymoney, 7 Church Street, Friday 5th October, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Londonderry, 3A/B Strand Road, Monday 8th October, 10.30 – 12.30pm
Limavady, 57–61 Main Street, Monday 8th October, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Enniskillen, 18 High Street, Tuesday 9th October, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Cookstown, 6–10 Oldtown Street, Wednesday 10th October, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Newry, 9 Sugar Island, Tuesday 16th October, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Belfast, Cornmarket, Thursday 18th October, 3.00 – 5.00pm
Bushmills, 68 Main Street, Tuesday 30th October, 10.30 – 12.30pm
Dungannon, 19 Scotch Street, Wednesday 31st October, 10.30 – 12.30pm
The workshops are free of charge and will be conducted on a small group or individual basis. To secure your place please contact the Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9066 3281.