Breast Cancer Awareness Month, running throughout October each year, is a very important platform for Action Cancer to promote the importance of breast awareness, early detection and the need for every woman to carry out self-examination.

In an effort to encourage women to take heed of this message we distributed 50,000 pink ribbons throughout Northern Ireland, each one containing information on breast awareness.

Action Cancer is the only charity in Northern Ireland offering early detection services to women concerned about breast cancer. In April 2005 we lowered our screening age from 45 to 40 years. We now offer breast screening to women aged 40-49 and over 65.

This was a significant move by Action Cancer as it compliments the NHS who begin their screening at the age of 50. Since we started the new screening regime in April around 60 per cent of clients have been in the younger 40-49 age group. It is estimated that the impact will be the early detection of two new breast cancers a month.

We launched BCAM 2007 with the news that 1,100 local women, who fall outside the NHS breast screening age range, are being screened by Action Cancer every month. Action Cancer patron and TV personality, Lynda Bryans, was on hand to help us launch the campaign.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and throughout the year, local people are encouraged to get involved in fundraising events to fund breast cancer screening. For further information on fundraising events contact Kelly Shaw at Action Cancer on 028 9080 3369. For information on Action Cancer’s services, leaflets, pink ribbons and advice telephone 028 9080 3344 or visit www.actioncancer.org

Click Here For More Info On Our Women's Services

Action Man Campaign - June

Mike Nesbitt launches the Action Man
campaign 2005 with
uro-oncolgy Nurse Specialist, Jenny
Kelly andcancer survivor,Ian
Magowan.

June sees the launch of our annual Action Man campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness and understanding of male specfic cancers such as testicular and prostate cancer.

2005 was a great success. We focused the campaign on Jenny Kelly, a men’s uro-oncology nurse specialist, whose post in Belfast City Hospital is completely funded by Action Cancer.

Urology cancers include some of the most common forms of cancer in men, such as testicular, prostate, kidneys and bladder. Jenny provides early detection screening as well as counselling and support should men have to be given a cancer diagnosis.

Action Cancer patron and TV personality Mike Nesbitt was on hand to help us launch the campaign, as well as local Bangor man Ian Magowan. Ian, an Action Cancer trekker, was diagnosed with testicular cancer two years ago but after a course of radiotherapy - like the majority of men

who have had the cancer caught early - made a full, healthy recovery. He and his wife were delighted when Finula gave birth to a ‘surprise’ baby boy, Max. His positive story was a great help in the campaign and Jenny's screening clinics in City Hospital and Action Cancer House are very well attended.

Action Cancer’s services for men include early detection and advice clinics for prostate and testicular cancer and health promotion services for workplaces and community groups.

Click here for more information on all our men’s services and leaflets on spotting the early warning signs of male specific

Safe Sun

Every summer Action Cancer urges all local people to take care in the sun, both at home and abroad.

In 2006 we plan to produce a ‘Safe Sun’ bookmark with life saving and practical advice on following sun safety during the summer months at home or holidays abroad. Almost a quarter of all cancers diagnosed are skin cancer so it is essential that every person at risk takes the right steps in the prevention or early detection of this form of cancer.

Click here for more information on Action Cancer’s ‘Safe Sun’ campaign