Action Cancer was founded in 1973 by the late George Edelstyn, an oncologist at Belvoir Park Hospital. The original aim of the organisation was to fund research into chemotherapy and to support patients during their treatment. In 1976 Action Cancer House was purchased to provide facilities for patients awaiting treatment at Belvoir Park and recovery facilities for chemotherapy patients who had to travel long distances. The house also became a center for the co-ordination of breast cancer research.
Since the clinics first started in 1978, Action Cancer has gone from strength to strength. Over 100,000 women have been screened in Action Cancer House and a further 55,000 have used the Mobile early detection service, which travels throughout Northern Ireland in towns, villages and the workplace.
Action Cancer also introduced therapeutic services offering support to cancer patients and their families, with around 10,000 clients having used the service to date.
These services include counseling, complementary therapies and support groups for patients and carers. In addition to early detection and support services, health promotion activity is undertaken with men and women in the workplace and in community groups, and with young men and women and children in schools.
A more recent departure for the organisation has been the work being carried out in early detection and awareness of male specific cancers. This programme started in 1997 offering an evening clinic for men concerned about prostate or testicular cancer, as well as bringing health promotion talks to men in the workplace and in the wider community.
Action Cancer has undergone a period of rapid growth over the last few years and without a doubt volunteers have contributed immensely to this growth. In the future we hope volunteers will contribute an even greater role.