02/10/2025
Women Urged To Be 'Breast Aware' In October
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to be breast aware throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout October.
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in Northern Ireland, with the risk increasing with age.
Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, stated that breast cancer accounts for 30 per cent of all cancer in women in Northern Ireland, resulting in around 1,500 cases a year.
Screening and Symptoms
Dr Herron emphasised the importance of attending breast screening when invited, as early detection increases the chance of successful treatment. Screening is offered to women aged between 50 and 70 every three years. In 2023/24, screening detected 565 cases of breast cancer in Northern Ireland.
However, she stressed that breast cancer can develop at any age, even after a clear screening result.
The PHA's breast awareness five-point code is:
1. Know what is normal for you.
2. Know what changes to look and feel for.
3. Look and feel your breasts.
4. Report any changes to your GP immediately.
5. Attend breast screening from the age of 50.
Common symptoms to look for include: a change in the size or outline of either breast; any puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin; any lumps or thickening in either breast or under your armpit; or any changes to a nipple (pulled in, change of shape, discharge, or rash).
Dr Herron concluded: "If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is important that you see your GP. And remember, screening can help save lives so I would to urge all woman to consider attending for breast screening when invited."
For further information on breast cancer visit www.becancerawareni.info/breast-cancer
Information about breast screening is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/breast-screening-overview
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in Northern Ireland, with the risk increasing with age.
Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, stated that breast cancer accounts for 30 per cent of all cancer in women in Northern Ireland, resulting in around 1,500 cases a year.
Screening and Symptoms
Dr Herron emphasised the importance of attending breast screening when invited, as early detection increases the chance of successful treatment. Screening is offered to women aged between 50 and 70 every three years. In 2023/24, screening detected 565 cases of breast cancer in Northern Ireland.
However, she stressed that breast cancer can develop at any age, even after a clear screening result.
The PHA's breast awareness five-point code is:
1. Know what is normal for you.
2. Know what changes to look and feel for.
4. Report any changes to your GP immediately.
5. Attend breast screening from the age of 50.
Common symptoms to look for include: a change in the size or outline of either breast; any puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin; any lumps or thickening in either breast or under your armpit; or any changes to a nipple (pulled in, change of shape, discharge, or rash).
Dr Herron concluded: "If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is important that you see your GP. And remember, screening can help save lives so I would to urge all woman to consider attending for breast screening when invited."
For further information on breast cancer visit www.becancerawareni.info/breast-cancer
Information about breast screening is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/breast-screening-overview
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06 November 2003
Belfast women attend cancer awareness meeting
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18 May 2006
NI's radiology service to be 'strengthened'
Health Minister Paul Goggins has said action is being taken to increase the numbers of radiologists in the health service in Northern Ireland. The move follows the publication of a review of the Northern Ireland Breast Screening programme conducted by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).
NI's radiology service to be 'strengthened'
Health Minister Paul Goggins has said action is being taken to increase the numbers of radiologists in the health service in Northern Ireland. The move follows the publication of a review of the Northern Ireland Breast Screening programme conducted by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).
09 September 2003
25% of NI women don't know how to examine their breasts
Despite the high profile of breast cancer and the 900 cases diagnosed each year, 25% of local women admit that they still don't know how to examine their breasts. This statistic was just one of the surprise findings of a survey carried out by leading local charity, Action Cancer, to launch its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign.
25% of NI women don't know how to examine their breasts
Despite the high profile of breast cancer and the 900 cases diagnosed each year, 25% of local women admit that they still don't know how to examine their breasts. This statistic was just one of the surprise findings of a survey carried out by leading local charity, Action Cancer, to launch its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign.
25 May 2006
10,000 women still waiting for breast screening
Over 10,000 women in Northern Ireland are waiting for breast screening in the Northern Health Board area, it has been revealed. The Northern Health and Social Services Board (NHSSB) covers the Council boundaries of Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle and Newtownabbey.
10,000 women still waiting for breast screening
Over 10,000 women in Northern Ireland are waiting for breast screening in the Northern Health Board area, it has been revealed. The Northern Health and Social Services Board (NHSSB) covers the Council boundaries of Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle and Newtownabbey.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.