Breast Cancer - Research shows local women still in the Dark!
27/10/2009
 As the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) launches its Think Pink! breast cancer awareness campaign, the charity reveals that women in Northern Ireland are still in the dark when it comes to breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer amongst women in Northern Ireland with over 1,000 new cases diagnosed every year yet research carried out locally by MediCare Pharmacy Group, sponsors of the Think Pink campaign, has highlighted a number of mistaken beliefs that women have when it comes to the disease.
Two thirds of those surveyed believed that women in the 30-50 year old age-group were most likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer; 85% believed that breast screening finds the majority of breast cancers diagnosed and less than half knew that being physically active helped to prevent the development of breast cancer.
Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals & Marketing said, “The research by the MediCare Pharmacy Group is very important in helping us gauge the level of awareness about breast cancer. We were thrilled that the women who took part in the survey were well aware of the signs to look for – a lump, change in the size or feel of the breast, dimpling of the skin, swelling in the armpit or bloodstained discharge from the nipple.
“Compared to a recent national survey, there was also good awareness that alcohol, smoking and being overweight increased their risk of breast cancer. However, women tended to put a higher emphasis on family history of the disease, rather than age, as a contributing risk factor. In fact previous family history of the disease only accounts for up to 10% of breast cancers, while 80% of women diagnosed are over the age of 50 at the time.
“The survey also showed that too many women rely only on screening to detect breast cancer. Whilst we continue to urge women between the ages of 50 and 70 to attend their breast screening appointments the reality is that only a third of breast cancers are picked up this way. Our message therefore, to women of all ages, is to examine your breasts regularly for any changes – and if you do detect a change, see your GP immediately.
“Less than 1 in 3 women knew that breast feeding helps to prevent the disease and less than half were aware that being physically active plays a significant role in reducing the risk of a breast cancer diagnosis. Research shows that being physically active after a breast cancer diagnosis may reduce the risk of recurrence for some women. We strongly recommend that women take some form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day to help reduce their risk of the disease.
“It is evident that whilst women in Northern Ireland have a good understanding of signs and symptoms there are still many misconceptions around breast cancer. During our Think Pink! campaign our breast cancer leaflets will be available to pick up at all MediCare stores along with details of our breast cancer information and support helpline – 0800 783 3339. This service is available to anyone who is concerned or worried about breast cancer. Callers speak directly to a cancer information nurse who specialises in providing information, support and advice on a whole range of services - for patients, their families and friends - so there is no need to be in the dark when it comes to breast cancer.
Michael Guerin, Managing Director, MediCare Pharmacy Group said, “We are delighted to be working with the Ulster Cancer Foundation to support their Think Pink! breast cancer awareness campaign. With 54 pharmacies across Northern Ireland, we want to help the charity bring the breast cancer message right into the heart of the local community.”
UCF provides a range of support services for women with breast cancer and their families. These include the information and support helpline, the bra-fitting service, counselling, family support service, Beauty for Life, art therapy, life coaching programmes, creative writing workshops as well as a range of support groups across Northern Ireland. For further details of these services plus Think Pink! breast cancer events please click on www.ulstercancer.org.
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