Chemist trip led to cancer diagnosis

And Patricia Kearns is now supporting calls for women aged between 40 and 49 or over 70 are being urged to call in to their local Gordons Chemist stores in Banbridge and Rathfriland and complete a breast screening request form to avail of a screening with a local charity.

Action Cancer is the only charity providing free breast screening to women in Northern Ireland who fall outside the NHS screening age range. In Banbridge this includes more than 3,500 women in their 40s and 2,300 women over 70 years.

The programme has saved local lives in the past as Patricia's story illustrates. Patricia picked up a form in her local Banbridge Gordons Chemist in 2008 and following a breast screening was diagnosed with cancer.

"If I hadn’t stepped into the chemists that day I’m not sure where I would be right now. Within a week of my screening at Action Cancer House, I was recalled and sensed something was wrong," she said.

“The doctors said in five to ten years, the cancer could have spread to any part of my body. I cannot bear to think what would have happened if I hadn’t used Action Cancer’s service, so I am urging all those women out there to please make an appointment.”

Joanna Currie, Consultant Radiographer for Action Cancer said: “Mammography screening remains the best available method to detect breast cancer in its early stages and we are privileged to be able to offer this service to the women of Northern Ireland to help save lives and offer peace of mind."

For the third consecutive year the campaign is being supported and promoted by Gordons Chemists, Northern Ireland’s largest independently owned pharmacy chain.

Joanne Henderson, Professional Services Manager from Gordons Chemists said: “As a pharmacy chain at the heart of the community we’re delighted to be able to make a real difference to the lives of our customers through our partnership with Action Cancer.

“Last year in addition to raising in excess of 30,000 towards the vital screening services, Gordons Chemists also encouraged over 800 women to complete self referral forms for a breast screen. As the screening is entirely dependent on public funding, we will continue to fundraise in 2010 to keep this service going.”

Every 80 raised by staff in Gordons Chemists will provide another screening. Customers are encouraged to help by buying a pin badge or raffle ticket in store.

Anyone interested in obtaining a screening should call the Action Cancer appointments line on 028 9080 3344 or call into their local Gordons Chemists to complete the screening form. Appointments are available from Action Cancer House or the Big Bus.