UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, which operates the Whitfield clinic in Waterford, has announced a partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland.
The partnership will support a new Education and Outreach Coordinator, who will deliver breast health awareness seminars.
Beginning in Waterford, the coordinator will reach out on a national basis to community groups, health care centres, companies and sporting groups.
Recent Breast Cancer Ireland Research indicates worryingly low levels across all age groups of self-checking behaviours, and little knowledge of the eight signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
The BCI findings show:
- 75% of women still do not know how to properly check their breasts
- 33% say they don’t know all of the signs and symptoms they are looking for
- 46% of women say they simply don’t make time to check their breasts regularly
In a statement UPMC Hillman said the 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 Waterford by Anne Mynes, using a medical mannequin to educate participants on how to perform a self-breast examination. She will also encourage attendees to download Breast Cancer Ireland’s free Breast Aware App.
Commenting on UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre’s partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland, David Beirne, managing director, UPMC in Ireland, said,
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.”
Aisling Hurley, CEO at Breast Cancer Ireland, added: “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 disnease in local communities, and in turn save lives”
About breast cancer
Breast cancer will affect one in nine women during their lifetime, with someone in the world being diagnosed every nine seconds. Early detection is key. To learn more about the Education and Outreach Coordinator role or to register for a complimentary visit, click here.
