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Think Pink! for the Ulster Cancer Foundation
By Derval Keenan, 11/28/2005 11:24:34 AM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) celebrated its eighth annual Think Pink! Luncheon at the Europa Hotel, Belfast with special guest speaker the Rt. Hon. Ann Widdecombe MP.
UCF has been encouraging people to Think Pink! during October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, to raise awareness of the disease and much needed funds to help support and care for local women with breast cancer.
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive, Ulster Cancer Foundation said, The Think Pink! Luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate life after breast cancer and we are thrilled to have enjoyed a sell-out success for the eighth consecutive year.
The Think Pink! Luncheons continue to play an important role in raising awareness of breast cancer - the most common form of cancer in local women. Over 900 women are diagnosed with the disease every year with one in twelve developing the disease during their lifetime.
This year the Think Pink! Campaign, sponsored by Gordons Chemists, focused on the importance of being breast aware as early detection really does save lives. Women should get to know what their breasts are normally like and any changes should be reported to their GP without delay. We also urge women to keep their screening appointment when invited as over a third of breast cancers are picked up through the breast screening service.
Although the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer increases slightly every year, the good news is more and more women are surviving the disease. Research funded by UCF in Northern Ireland continues to shed light on this complex disease, its causes and treatment, and advances are being made.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation understands the personal nature of coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer and is here to support and reassure women during what is often a very difficult and worrisome time. Fear and anxiety are common emotions associated with a diagnosis of cancer. We would encourage the public to contact our Freephone Helpline for confidential support and information about the disease.
UCFs Freephone Cancer Helpline is 0800 783 3339 available Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.
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Notes to editor:
Ø Breast Cancer Symptoms
You should look out for anything, which is not normal for you. A lump is the most commonly recognised early symptom of breast cancer, but other symptoms can include:
- Any dent, puckering or dimpling of your breasts
- Thickening under the skin of your breasts or armpits
- Changes in size or shape of the breast
- Veins which stand out more than usual
- Any change in the position of your nipples pulled inwards or pointing in a different direction
- Any discharge or bleeding from your nipples
- A rash around your nipples
- Any discomfort or pain in your breasts that is different from normal
- Any change in sensation in your breasts.
Dont forget to check under your arms for lumps or anything unusual.
Ø Screening Units
All women in Northern Ireland aged 50 64 years of age are invited for breast screening every three years at the breast screening units at:
Eastern Health & Social Services Board
The Screening Centre
12-22 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BS
Tel: 9033 3700
Northern Health & Social Services Board
Northern Area Breast Screening & Assessment Unit
Level A, Antrim Area Hospital
45 Bush Road, Antrim, BT41 2RL
Tel: 028 9442 4425
Southern Health & Social Services Board
The Breast Screening Unit
Lurgan Hospital, Sloan Street, Lurgan, BT66 8NX
Tel: 028 3834 7083
Western Health & Social Services Board
The Breast Screening Unit
Ground Floor, The Nurses Home
Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, Lderry, BT47 6SB
Tel: 028 7161 1443
Mobile Screening Units
To find out when there is a unit near you, please call your local GP practice.
Ø The Ulster Cancer Foundation offers a range of services including breast cancer support group meetings, a specialist bra and swimwear fitting service in Belfast and Lderry for mastectomy patients, freephone cancer helpline (Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Tel: 0800 783 3339), patient volunteer support as well as art therapy classes.
For further information on the Ulster Cancer Foundations Think Pink! Breast Cancer Campaign please contact:
Pauline Wylie, PR and Events Manager, UCF on
Tel: 028 9049 2007 / 07810 371118
or
Derval Keenan PR and Events Officer on
Tel: 028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531
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