Throughout October each year, in many countries around the World, Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place. The tradition of turning everything pink for the month of October first began in the United States, but has been subsequently taken up in many countries, including our own.
The 2013 Irish Breast Cancer Awareness Month includes a ‘Pink Walk’ campaign by Centra, which will see 200 of the retailers stores hold walks to help raise funds for The Irish Cancer Society’s Action Breast Cancer campaign.
If you would like to get involved in one of the Pink Walks, there are four local Centra’s that are holding them. All you have to do is register in-store, and get walking to help raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society and awareness of Breast Cancer in general.
Pink Walks in Dublin 8:
James’ Street Centra – 45-47 James Street, Dublin 8 (01 4150880)
Thomas Street Centra – 50 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Dublin 8 (01 4113971)
Rialto Centra – 455/457 South Circular Road, Rialto, Dublin 8 (01 4543802)
Cork Street Centra – Cork Street, Dublin 8 (01 4540494)
Pink Walks 2013 promotional launch – Holly Carpenter (model) Breda Cahill (Centra retailer) and Emma Barrett (Irish Cancer Society)
Useful Breast Cancer information links:
Breast Cancer – The Facts @ BreastCancerIreland.com
FAQs About Breast Cancer @ BreastCancerIreland.com
Here are some facts about Breast Cancer, from cancer.ie:
How common is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Ireland, after skin cancer. Better treatments mean that more and more people are now living long and full lives after breast cancer. However, the number of cases is rising.
• Every year, around 2,600 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 660 women die from the disease
• 1 in 10 women in Ireland will get breast cancer at some stage in their lives
• It is most common in women over the age of 50, but you can get it at a younger age
• Men can also get breast cancer but it is very rare
What causes breast cancer?
We don’t fully understand what causes breast cancer. However, researchers have found a number of risk factors that increase a woman’s chance of getting the disease. Some of these risks are out of your control. But knowing about them can help you to take important steps to protect yourself against the disease.
What affects my risk of getting breast cancer?
Gender
Being a woman is your biggest risk factor.
Getting older
Your risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. Most women who get breast cancer are over the age of 50.
A strong family history of breast cancer
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of getting the disease. A strong family history includes:
• Breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer in several close members of the same family
• Breast cancer in a close relative when under the age of 50.
Certain benign breast conditions
If you have a history of being diagnosed with certain types of breast conditions that are benign (not cancer), you may have a slightly increased risk. If this applies to you, your Doctor will explain this to you in more detail.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Women on HRT are at an increased risk of breast cancer. Your risk decreases gradually after you stop taking it.
The Pill
The contraceptive pill causes a small increase in risk. This risk gradually returns to normal after you stop taking it.
Starting periods at an early age or having a late menopause
Women who have their first period before the age of 12 or who have the menopause after the age of 55 have a slightly increased risk.
Having no children
Women who have no children or who have their first child later in life have a slightly increased risk.
Irish Breast Cancer Helpline & Support
National Cancer Helpline
Anyone who is concerned about breast cancer or cancer in general can speak with a specialist nurse in confidence by calling the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700. The Helpline runs Monday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm, and every Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Reach to Recovery – Support for Women With Breast Cancer
Reach to Recovery is a peer to peer breast cancer support service which provides practical and emotional support for women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis. Trained volunteers are available to provide this support to women who are newly diagnosed and to those who have had a secondary diagnosis. If you would like to speak with a Reach to Recovery volunteer, call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700.
