Women with breast cancer detected by the charity come together to launch Breast Cancer Awareness campaign
Action Cancer, Northern Ireland’s leading, local cancer charity has unveiled its Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign taking place during October which is supported by Gordons Chemists.
Ambassadors for the charity and partners gathered together at Action Cancer House in Belfast for a special celebration event.
Action Cancer has now recruited a cohort of new Ambassadors for the breast screening service – women who had their breast cancer detected by the charity. These women will be sharing their stories during the month of October to spread awareness of Action Cancer’s life-saving breast screening service.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among females in Northern Ireland accounting for 30% of all cancer diagnoses among women. The latest statistics state that 1,513 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 310 die from the disease every year.
Breast screening is for well women who have no signs or symptoms and is the most effective tool for picking up cancers at an early and treatable stage. Action Cancer offers screening to women aged 40-49 and 70+ and encourages women aged 50-70 to attend for routine screening when called by the NHS.
Screening takes place at Action Cancer House in Belfast and on board the charity’s Big Bus, supported by SuperValu and Centra, which visits 175 locations throughout Northern Ireland each year. This free service is not available anywhere else in the UK or Ireland and aims to screen up to 8,000 women annually.
The charity detects 8 cancers for every 1,000 screenings, with the majority of women receiving reassurance.
Donna Kelly, Lead Advanced Practice Radiographer at Action Cancer, said:
“Our clinic is unique in that it is the only one in the UK and Ireland to use Tomosynthesis (3D) breast imaging during the screening process. This technology has the ability to detect very small cancers that are hidden in the breast tissue.
“The goal of our hard-working X-ray team is to always make sure that every client gets the best possible care. The staff at Action Cancer are both experienced and caring, driven by the belief that they are genuinely making a difference. We offer a straightforward online and phone booking process, and a comfortable screening space for clients to visit. Evening and weekend appointments are also on offer.
“Meeting the women who have overcome breast cancer and who joined us to celebrate has been a tremendous experience for the team and me. My colleagues were happy to show these women around our Therapeutic Suite and to tell them more about the integrative oncology services available to aid in their mental and physical rehabilitation, both locally in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.”
“We have now opened up breast screening appointments in October for ladies to book. Early detection saves lives, so book your mammogram today.”
Fiona McQuillan, Pharmacist at Gordons Chemists, added:
“It was truly remarkable to honour these incredible women whose lives were saved by Action Cancer’s breast screening programme.
“Gordons Chemists is honoured to be associated with Action Cancer and is celebrating our 21st year of corporate support in 2026.
“Our 55 stores in Northern Ireland will turn pink throughout October in an effort to raise funds and promote the important message that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. We sincerely appreciate the support that our staff and customers have shown for this wonderful cause.”
Breast screening appointments are now available with Action Cancer. Women aged 40-49 and 70+ can book an appointment online at www.actioncancer.org or by calling 028 9080 3344.
Action Cancer is calling on members of the public to back its ‘Breast Friends’ fundraising campaign which seeks to raise £30,000 towards the life-saving breast screening service. It costs the charity £120 to deliver a free breast screening to a local woman. As this service receives no government funding, the charity relies heavily on the generosity of local people to keep the service going.
The Breast Friends campaign is all about getting the girls together to make a real difference to local women in your community. You could hold a coffee morning, paint and sip event, pamper day or ladies’ night at home, in your local salon, gym or anywhere of your choosing.
For a Breast Friends Fundraising Pack full of pink goodies, please contact Lisa McClenaghan on breastfriends@actioncancer.org
