Mayor of Mid and East Antrim marks Breast Cancer Awareness month
Thursday 26 October 2023
As Breast Cancer Awareness month (1-31 October 2023) is marked across the Borough, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, welcomed representatives from Cancer Focus NI to help raise awareness of the campaign and support the fight against breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is focused on spreading awareness and access to resources to help support people living with cancer.
The Mayor met with representatives from Cancer Focus NI to discuss signs and symptoms of the disease plus support and services available to patients and their families.
1 in 8 women in Northern Ireland will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Currently, an average of 122 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each month in Northern Ireland.
Mayor, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “Each of us knows a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend who has been affected by breast cancer. It is vital to identify breast cancer as early as possible as if it is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance of survival.
“I was delighted to meet with Cancer Focus NI and hear about all the excellent work they do to support people with cancer. I would urge everyone to check out their website and support this vitally important organisation in their excellent work.”
Richard Spratt, Chief Executive, Cancer Focus NI: “We are proud at Cancer Focus NI to have so many unique initiatives for individuals and their families navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. Whether it is our bra fitting service, our breast cancer support groups or Nurseline - the only cancer information and support line in Northern Ireland - it is brilliant to be recognised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for our work in this area.
“Our Breast Cancer Awareness month campaign has been all about raising awareness of the signs of the disease, but also about championing and supporting our local volunteers who do so much to support women and their families in the local community through their cancer journey. We are extremely grateful to the Mayor for hosting us at the Braid and for the Council’s ongoing support.”
For more information or to find out about how you can support Cancer Focus NI and the fight against breast cancer visit the Cancer Focus NI website.