4,500 Larne women are eligible for breast screening

It made the call as part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) campaign in October.

Action Cancer is the only charity in the UK and Ireland that offers women aged 40–49 and 70-plus the opportunity to have a free mammogram, complementing the NHS screening programme which calls women aged 50-70.

Approximately 1,150 women are diagnosed with and 300 die from breast cancer in Northern Ireland every year.

Joanna Currie, Action Cancer consultant radiographer said: “Last year Action Cancer screened nearly 8,000 local women – a record number for the charity. And as our service detects six breast cancers in every 1,000 women screened, last year nearly 50 women were alerted to their cancer when it may otherwise have gone unnoticed. It has saved the lives of hundreds of women and it could save yours.”

2012 celebrates the fifth year of BCAM partnership between Action Cancer and Gordons Chemists.

This year the Action Cancer Big Bus, sponsored by retail group SuperValu, will visit a select number of Gordons stores across Northern Ireland throughout October.

Joanne Wright, professional services manager from Gordons Chemists, added: “Every year Gordons Chemists provide breast screening request forms in store to encourage our customers to complete the form and attend a free, follow-up screening with Action Cancer.

“Over the past four years Gordons Chemist staff and customers have raised £150,000 towards Action Cancer’s vital screening services and over 2,300 women have completed the self referral forms in store.”

Josephine Brown, from Jordanstown, had her breast cancer detected by Action Cancer’s screening service.

The mum of two said: “Women in their 40s should be proactive about their health. There’s no point in waiting until you notice a change, I had no tell-tale signs, no reason for concern. Early detection saves lives – it saved mine.”

For more details contact Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344, visit www.actioncancer.org, download Action Cancer’s BreastAware app or call in to your local Gordons Chemist and fill out a breast screening request form.