Pick up breast check guide in Gordons

In advance of the charity’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) campaign which runs throughout October, Action Cancer carried out a survey into women’s awareness, knowledge and attitude towards breast cancer.

The 800 responses revealed that although four out of five women are worried about getting breast cancer, nearly 7 in every 10 women checked their breasts less than the recommended once a month.

Action Cancer’s Consultant Radiographer Joanna Currie said, “Our new, compact breast check guide presents step by step information on how to be breast aware and provides details of Action Cancer’s screening programme in a clear and attractive way. The same size as a credit card, the guide is designed to fit neatly in a woman’s purse so they can refer to it time and time again.

“All women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and visit their GP immediately if they are concerned. We would recommend that women from the age of 40 have regular mammograms in order to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage before symptoms are present.

“Over the month of October we’re encouraging women to pick up a breast check guide and if aged 40 – 49 or over 70, to avail of our breast screening service as evidence shows early detection saves lives.”

Campaign partner Gordons Chemists will provide the new breast check guides and breast screening request forms for Action Cancer in store over the month of October.

Joy Bell, Gordons Chemists’ Linenhall Street, Banbridge store manager said: “As Northern Ireland’s largest independent pharmacy chain, our position at the centre of the community is ideal to help spread the vital breast check and screening message further than ever before. By providing both the new breast check guides and breast screening self referral forms, through our partnership with Action Cancer we’re offering a potentially life-saving service to our Banbridge customers.”

Action Cancer, Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity is the only charity that offers women in their 40s the opportunity to have a mammogram: women aged 40-49 and over 70 are eligible for Action Cancer’s breast screening service, complementing the NHS screening programme which calls women aged 50-70.

The new breast check guides are available from Action Cancer House, Belfast, on the Big Bus mobile unit, in store at Action Cancer retail shops or at your local Gordons Chemists store. Anyone interested in obtaining a breast screening appointment should contact Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344, visit www.actioncancer.org or call in to your local Gordons Chemist and fill out a breast screening request form.