October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Low uptake rates for breast screening observed in some communities

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year, the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging women aged 50 to 64, particularly women from some communities where the screening uptake rate is low, to avail of a free breast mammogram (x-ray).

BreastCheck -The National Breast Screening Programme invites women aged 50 to 64 to attend for free mammograms every two years. A BreastCheck mammogram is a simple procedure and the appointment only takes half an hour in total. The aim of screening is to detect early breast cancer. BreastCheck is free and available nationwide.

Naomi Fitzgibbon, Cancer Information Services Manager said: “It is essential that women who are eligible for breast screening attend for their mammograms when invited. Women may be nervous about going for a mammogram or may be concerned about getting a negative result but the majority of women will be found to be perfectly healthy. Less than one per cent of women screened will be diagnosed with cancer and for those women who will be diagnosed, early detection and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome .All women should be breast aware between mammograms and report any changes that are not normal for them.”

The Irish Cancer Society is concerned by the low uptake rates in some communities and is asking women in these areas to attend for screening. Women who have questions about breast cancer screening can call the Irish Cancer Society’s National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 or visit www.cancer.ie.

Breast screening and better treatments are helping to lower deaths from breast cancer, however, the Irish Cancer Society is concerned that some communities have worse survival outcomes than others.
“While the incidence of breast cancer is higher among more affluent women, survival rates from breast cancer are lower among more deprived women. We want to ensure that all women in Ireland have the access to the information and services they need to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. We will be working with communities and with BreastCheck to ensure that women are availing of the potentially lifesaving screening programme,” said Kathleen O’Meara, Head of Advocacy and Communications with the Irish Cancer Society.

During October and up until the end of 2013, BreastCheck will be providing screening in Navan, Carlow, Athlone, Mullingar, Crumlin, Killmainham, Tallaght, Clondalkin, Laois, Dublin (Inner city areas), South Cork, South Tippearry, Waterford, Tralee, Galway City, Letterkenny, Ballina, and Tubbercurry.

Women living in these areas can check that they are on the BreastCheck register by calling Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or checking online at www.breastcheck.ie. If you have turned 50 and have not received a letter, please contact BreastCheck. Once registered and known to the Programme, you will automatically receive an appointment when BreastCheck is screening in their area.

During October , the Irish Cancer Society’s Get the Girls campaign is raising money to fund breast cancer services and research. For information, or to get involved visit www.getthegirls.ie or CallSave 1850 60 60 60.