Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in Northern Ireland. One in ten women in NI will develop breast cancer and treatment for early stage breast cancer can be more effective and less complicated than at later stages. It is vitally important to know the signs to look out for, self-examine regularly and attend for screening when invited.
(original image here https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/signs-symptoms-breast-cancer )
If you spot any of these changes in your breasts you do not have to wait to be invited for your next scheduled screening, you should call your GP and make an appointment.
WRDA’s ground breaking Breast, Cervical and Bowel Screening Awareness programme was developed to tackle the low uptake of screening invitations by women living in some areas of Northern Ireland. The first of three sessions deals with awareness of breast cancer screening and teaches participants how to self-examine correctly. Before taking part in the programme only 30% of women surveyed felt they knew how to self-examine correctly, this increased to 97% after the programme. The programme is free to community groups and can be adapted for groups with additional needs such as learning disability or sight loss. You can find out more here.
