Kildare woman to host breast health awareness seminars nationwide

A woman from County Kildare will deliver breast health awareness seminars all across Ireland.

The announcement follows after the UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre announced a partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland (BCI) to promote breast health awareness nationwide on World Cancer Day last Friday.

Anne Mynes will deliver breast health awareness seminars nationwide to community groups, health care centres, companies and sporting groups as an Education and Outreach Coordinator, beginning in Kildare.

The launch is timely in the wake of the recent release of BCI research indicating worryingly low levels across all age groups of self-checking behaviours and knowledge of the eight signs and symptoms of breast cancer. 

Anne Mynes will serve as an Education and Outreach Coordinator

Key findings of the research show that:

• 75 per cent of women still do not know how to properly check their breasts
• 33 per cent say they don’t know all of the signs and symptoms they are looking for 
• 46 per cent of women say they simply don’t make time to check their breasts regularly  

BCI elaborated in a statement: "With these findings in mind, the aim of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre-supported programme is to encourage and educate women (and men) of all ages about good breast health so that cancer can be detected early and patient outcomes improved.

"The educational presentations will be delivered to groups across Kildare by Anne, using a medical mannequin to educate participants on how to perform a self-breast examination, and she will also encourage attendees to download BCI’s free Breast Aware App."

David Beirne, managing director of UPMC in Ireland, also said: "The development and support of this important breast health and awareness programme is a natural fit for UPMC as a trusted health care provider and innovator.

Kildare Senator blames 'out-of-touch' Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael's approach to cost of living

"UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre is one of the largest integrated networks of cancer experts in the world... in Ireland, we are a cancer care partner to the HSE, various hospital groups, the oncology service for the South East and organisations that support patients throughout their cancer journey."

"This programme will help hundreds of thousands of people in our communities to live healthier lives," he added.

Aisling Hurley, CEO of BCI, also said: "The impact of having a partner of the calibre of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre on board for this important programme is significant.  

"Through this initiative, UPMC will help us to change the landscape of this disease for the better(for the better) into the future. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the treatment outcome.

"Their outreach across communities in the South East of the country, and beyond, means that we will continue to drive important awareness of this disease in local communities, and in turn save lives."

BREAKING: Naas school is to be demolished and rebuilt as a two storey building

Project

Commenting specifically on the BCI research findings, Ms Hurley said: "The statistics are stark with regards to this research – there simply aren’t enough women and men checking their breasts properly or often enough, nor do they understand that there are no less than eight signs and symptoms to be aware of.

"Evidence that our roll out of free education and awareness presentations, such as those now sponsored by UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, are essential to greatly reducing these knowledge gaps, and these current statistics."

"Our progress in fighting breast cancer continues with research and clinical trials ongoing, seeking to develop newer, targeted therapies for the many different subtypes of breast cancer experienced, so that we can transform this disease into a treatable illness, that can be maintained long term, but this progress must be aligned to greater levels of self-checking and breast awareness in order to help us truly change the landscape of this disease into the future," she concluded.

According to the BCI, breast cancer will affect 1 in 9 women during their lifetime, with someone in the world being diagnosed every 9 seconds.

Further information about the Education and Outreach Coordinator role, or to register for a complimentary visit, community groups, health centres, clubs and corporations are encouraged to visit the Education & Awareness section at www.breastcancerireland.com.

Planning permission sought for new café in Kildare, documents show