21/09/2001

Northern Ireland sees cancer awareness drive

A campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer in Northern Ireland has been unveiled outside the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

The eye-catching poster campaign, designed by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has been launched to raise £250,000 for the battle against breast cancer. The poster which could be advertising lingerie instead reads: “For 800 women in Northern Ireland this year, putting on a bra will never be the same again.”

The campaign, supported by Vodafone, will also include an appeal letter by Ulster-born TV personality Eamon Holmes, which will be sent to 300,000 homes in Northern Ireland.

Eight hundred women are diagnosed in the province each year and one in 12 women will develop the disease at some stage in their lives.

Arlene Spiers, UCF chief executive said: “It is very good news that deaths from breast cancer have decreased by 12 per cent over the last 10 years thanks to improved treatment. We will continue to promote the message that early detection and prompt treatment can save lives.”

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s long-awaited regional cancer centre, which was due to open in 2003, will be delayed for at least another two years, according to a report in the Irish News.

The centre which is nearing completion at Belfast City Hospital has been stalled by “wrangling over how it will be funded” according to the Irish News. (AMcE)

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