Free breast screening with Action Cancer

During 2014/2015 Action Cancer have already screened 9068 women; this is already 772 more women than last year’s figures and the charity are striving to screen 10,000 women by the end of March.

Numbers were boosted during the charity’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in October which was supported by Gordons Chemists, Menarys and Tempest.

Action Cancer is the only charity in the UK and Ireland to offer free breast screening to asymptomatic women aged 40–49 and over 70, those who fall outside the NHS screening age range (50–70).

Approximately 1,240 women are diagnosed with and 300 die from breast cancer in Northern Ireland every year.

For every 1,000 women screened by Action Cancer, an average of five cancers are detected.

The charity’s digital mammography equipment can detect cancer in its early stages when treatment can be more successful. The vast majority of women who come for screening will receive clear results and will be given peace of mind.

Action Cancer Ambassador, Mary Allen from Ballymena had her breast cancer detected on board the charity’s Big Bus.

“I am so thankful to Action Cancer for detecting my cancer early on,” Mary said.

She added: “This early intervention meant that I did not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

“I may have lost one of my breasts to cancer, but I am thankful that I haven’t lost my life to cancer, I am alive to tell the tale.”

Joanna Currie, Action Cancer’s Consultant Radiographer, added: “The truth of the matter is the more women we screen the more lives we can save.

“A mammogram only takes ten minutes with most women finding it slightly uncomfortable but not painful.

“We are encouraging women to take time out of their busy lives, consider their own health and take that step to pick up the phone or book an appointment online. Remember that early detection saves lives.”

The free screening is on offer at Action Cancer House in Belfast and on board the charity’s Big Bus, supported by SuperValu and its independent retailers which travel to 220 locations throughout Northern Ireland every year.

Women aged 40-49 and 70 plus can book an appointment by calling 028 9080 3344 or online at www.actioncancer.org