Irish Cancer Society ‘Paint it Pink’ to fight breast cancer

October is BreastCancer Awareness Month and the Irish Cancer Society is telling everyone that they still need to be breast aware and take care of their health as breast cancer incidence rises by 32% over ten years. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and while it primarily affects women each year a small number of men are also diagnosed. The Irish Cancer Society urges everyone to ‘Paint it Pink’ this October and raise vital funds for lifesaving breast cancer research and crucial cancer support services. Mark Mellett, Head of Fundraising, Irish Cancer Society said “As cancer incidence increases – so does demand for our services. Each year we have more people looking for support and we are struggling to maintain our existing services. We completely rely on the public to fund these services, many people think we receive government funding however over 95% of our income comes from the general public during campaigns like ‘Paint it Pink’.” “The good news is more people are surviving cancer. Recent figures show that 5 year survival rates for breast cancer are at 85%, however we want people to not only survive cancer but to continue to live full and active lives after their treatment and for many to do this they need support. I am hoping that everyone will get involved and support us by painting an event pink to help the thousands of patients, families and survivors who are affected by breast cancer this year.” He continued. During Octobershops, homes, business and towns all over Ireland are painting it pink to raise money and awareness as part of ‘Paint it Pink’. It is a fun way for people to raise money for the Society’s work across breast cancer funding vital research, advocacy and services to those affected by the disease. The campaign is all about organising a big or small event to ‘paint it pink’ during October and raising money to help fund the Irish Cancer Society’s breast cancer services. Friday 2nd marks ‘Paint it Pink Day’ volunteers in towns around the country will be selling pink ribbons and pins to fight breast cancer. Why not get involved, join the fight, and paint it pink this October? Hold a pink event, visit www.paintitpink.iefor ideas or more information. You can also make a donation by phone on CallSave 1850 60 60 60 or online at www.paintitpink.ie. To donate €4 now you can text the word Pink to 50300 [* 100% of text cost goes to the Irish Cancer Society across most network providers. Some providers apply VAT which means that a minimum of €3.26 will go to the Society. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 01 4433890]. The Paint it Pink campaign is kindly supported by Ireland’s largest convenience retailer Centra. Anyone who is concerned about breast health or breast cancer can speak with a specialist nurse in confidence by calling the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline on Freefone 1800 200 700. (The helpline runs Monday to Thursday from 9am to 6pm, and every Friday from 9am to 5pm.)You can also visit our website www.cancer.ie or email: cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie.