October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fermanagh GAA is calling on people across the county to be breast aware with the help of its charity partner Friends of the Cancer Centre.
Fermanagh GAA is calling on players, clubs, supporters and people across the county to get behind Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Breast Bud campaign. The campaign is encouraging people to get into the habit of checking their breasts and chest with the help of the charity’s Breast Bud self-check hanger. The hanger, which is similar to a do not disturb sign in a hotel, is waterproof and can be placed in the shower, hung on the bathroom door or anywhere that will help remind people to check themselves regularly. The hanger has a step-by-step guide on how to check your breasts and chest and highlights some of the signs and symptoms you should look out for.
Brian Armitage, Chairman of Fermanagh GAA, said:
“Encouraging our players, clubs, supporters and communities to look after their health is central to the GAA and we are delighted to partner with Friends of the Cancer Centre to encourage more people to be cancer aware. We would encourage everyone to get involved in the Breast Bud campaign and carry out checks regularly.
“Fermanagh GAA is really proud to partner with Friends of the Cancer Centre and in addition to raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, we are also delighted to be able to raise money for the charity. Many families in Fermanagh are impacted by cancer and many will need the care and support of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre in Belfast or the North West Cancer Centre in Derry/Londonderry. Friends of the Cancer Centre supports both hospitals by funding nurses, providing support such as financial grants and much, much more. The charity is here to support families every step of the way and the money we raise will help them in their vital work.”
Fermanagh has a long and proud history with Friends of the Cancer Centre and over the years, thanks to the amazing support in the community, the charity’s Fermanagh Fundraising Group has raised over £913,000. This vital support ensures that the charity can continue with its life-changing and life-saving work which includes funding additional staff, supporting local research and providing practical support, such as financial grants, which help families through a difficult time. Friends of the Cancer Centre relies on the generosity of the local community and all money donated stays in Northern Ireland, directly benefitting patients and their families.
Geraldine Corrigan, Chair of Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Fermanagh Fundraising Group, said:
“Unfortunately 1,400 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Northern Ireland and early diagnosis is key. As well as attending mammograms when called, it’s important to get into the habit of checking your breasts and chest every month, so you can get familiar with what is normal for you and identify any changes early. If you’re not sure how to check, Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Breast Bud self-check hanger is a really helpful tool to guide you through it.
“On behalf of the charity, I would like to thank everyone at Fermanagh GAA for their support as it is making a real and meaningful difference to people in Fermanagh and across Northern Ireland.”
Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Breast Bud self-check hangers are available for free from the charity’s website www.friendsofthecancercentre.com .
