Breast Cancer Ireland is calling on Irish women to continue to remain vigilant on their breast health. One in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and it is important that women know the signs and symptoms to be aware of, so that if an abnormality arises, they can contact their GP who will refer them on.

Earlier this month, with the help of former Miss Ireland and primary teacher Aoife O’Sullivan, the charity launched its Breast Health and Education Awareness Programme online, in partnership with insurance firm Cornmarket Group Financial Services and the INTO. The initiative sees the charity’s outreach coordinators presenting to schools and businesses throughout Ireland online, with the aim of promoting the importance of good breast health education.

The charity is encouraging women not to wait, to take control of their breast health, particularly during the current lockdown. Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, is inviting women to download the charity’s free app called “Breast Aware” which sends a discreet monthly reminder to your phone and offers a simulated video guide on how best to perform a self-breast examination, along with an outline of the eight signs and symptoms to be aware of. 

“We are delighted to reactivate this fantastic programme that is helping to drive the importance of understanding good breast health and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer,” says Aisling. “Encouraging women and men to self-check regularly to identify what is normal for them, is vital, so that if an abnormality does occur, it will be identified early and hopefully provide for a more positive outcome.”

The charity also welcomes the resumption of BreastCheck, the national screening service for breast cancer and the relief it will bring to women over 50 years of age who were without the free invitation for a mammogram, a breast X-ray, for many months. Aisling adds: “While we are delighted to see this service resume, we urge women to remain vigilant, take ownership and be proactive about their own breast health. Knowledge is key and if women notice an abnormality it is important, particularly in these challenging times, to immediately contact their GP.”

The message is clear: examine yourself regularly and if you notice a change, contact your GP without delay.