Think Pink! with the Ulster Cancer Foundation

Breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer in local women.

Over 1,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year but survival rates are steadily improving and today there are around 10,000 women with a diagnosis of breast cancer living in Northern Ireland.

How to be Breast Aware

UCF encourages women to regularly check their breasts and if you notice any change, report it to your GP without delay. Look out for anything which is not normal for you. A lump may be the most commonly recognised early symptom of breast cancer, but other symptoms can include:

- Thickening under the skin of your breasts or armpit

- Changes in size or shape of the breast

- Veins that stand out more than usual

- Any change in the position of your nipples – pulled inwards or pointing in a different direction

- Any discharge or bleeding from your nipples

- A rash on your nipple

- Any discomfort or pain in your breasts that is different from normal

- Any new change in sensation in your breasts

If you are between 50-70 years of age, don’t ignore your breast screening invitation.

What to do if you find a change:

- If you discover a new breast change you should see your GP as quickly as possible.

- If you have any general concerns about breast health, you can talk to your practice nurse.

- Call UCF’s breast cancer information and support helpline on 0800 783 3339 for free and confidential advice.

Reduce Your Risk

You may be able to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by:

- being physically active

- eating a healthy diet

- breast feeding

- limiting alcohol intake

UCF Breast Cancer Services

Breast cancer has a phenomenal and often life-altering impact, on the patient as well as their family and friends. UCF provides a range of services, free of charge, which can make this time of extreme stress a little more bearable and help to improve quality of life.

Information and Support: UCF recognises that when women are diagnosed with breast cancer, having someone to speak to or knowing where to get support is very important. UCF’s breast cancer information and support helpline (0800 783 3339) is for anyone who is concerned or worried about the disease. Callers speak directly to a qualified nurse who has experience on breast cancer issues. Callers can access easily understood information and be signposted to the appropriate services in their area. You can also email a UCF cancer information nurse directly on [email protected]

Specialist Fitting Service: UCF provides a professional fitting service available for women who have had breast surgery. Women have the opportunity to view and purchase from a wide range of specialist bras and swimwear, suitable for their personal requirements.

This fitting service is provided on an individual and confidential basis. A wide range of attractive head coverings are also available for women experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy. The service is available at our Service Centre, 40-44 Eglantine Avenue, Belfast; Altnagelvin Hospital, L’derry; Cancer Choices, Dungannon; Southern Area Hospice, St.John’s House, Newry and Cancer Connect, Enniskillen.

Drop in Centre: UCF’s drop-in centre and patient library is located within our Service Centre, 40/44 Eglantine Avenue, Belfast. It provides a calm environment in which to speak with our cancer information nurses or to access the resource library which has up-to-date information, literature and publications on cancer. Internet access is also provided for users. The facilities are child-friendly and there is no need to make an appointment – just pop in.

Counselling: Professional counselling for cancer patients and their families is available at UCF Service Centre, 40/44 Eglantine Avenue, Belfast, the Cancer Centre and all Northern Ireland Cancer Units including Antrim Area Hospital. Our specially trained counsellors offer a confidential and free service for patients, their families or carers. This can be at the time of diagnosis, during treatment or even years after treatment has ended.

Ballymena Breast Cancer Support Group: UCF has a breast cancer support group which meets regularly in Ballymena. It provides patients, relatives and friends with practical information, advice and support from the moment of diagnosis, right through the cancer journey, and for as long as they wish to attend.

The next meeting of the Ballymena Breast Cancer Support Group is Tuesday, November 30 when the group will be attending a concert in Braid Town Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets for the event cost 12 and anyone wishing to attend should contact Eileen Creery, Tel. 028 9066 3281 or email [email protected]

Art Therapy: Art Therapy is a therapeutic technique that does not require any previous experience or skill in art. Art therapy can provide an outlet for release of various emotions, such as fear, anxiety, stress and depression. It can also provide a time for relaxation and lead to a greater sense well-being.

Art therapy sessions will be starting in Fern House, Antrim Area Hospital on Friday, November 12 to Friday, December 17 from 2.00pm–3.30pm. For further information or to register please contact Joanne Robinson, Art Therapist, UCF, on 028 9066 3281 or email [email protected]

Creative Writing: Creative writing aims to help people move through their cancer journey and ultimately improve their quality of life by expressing emotions through writing. Cancer patients, family, friends and carers are all welcome to attend and you do not need to have any previous writing experience to take part.

All UCF services are provided free of charge for patients and their families but we need your support to help us raise the necessary funds to continue providing them!

Events Diary

UCF has lots of activities happening during the month to increase awareness of breast cancer and its signs and symptoms, whilst raising much needed funds to help local women and their families who have been affected by the disease.

We hope you will support us in making our month-long campaign, sponsored by MediCare Pharmacy Group, the most successful yet!

UCF’s Ballymena Combat Cancer Group Think Pink! Luncheon on Wednesday, October 6: Guests are invited to arrive at Ballymena Rugby Club from 12.30pm with lunch served at 1pm. After lunch guests will enjoy a Fashion Show courtesy of Ultimate in Fashion, Ballymena and a raffle. Table gifts are kindly sponsored by Clarins. Ticket cost 15 per person. Tickets are available from Betty Millar on 028 2586 3133 or Ultimate in Fashion, 13 Wellington Street, Ballymena, 028 2564 7271. For further information contact Maeve Fox, UCF on 028 9068 0761 [email protected]

Belfast Think Pink Luncheon: UCF’s special 40th anniversary Think Pink! Luncheon will be held on Friday, October 8 at the Europa Hotel, Belfast. Special guest speaker is media personality and Celebrity Masterchef finalist Christine Hamilton. Christine has also appeared on numerous shows such as ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’, Loose Women, ‘Have I Got News for You’ and Newsnight. Dubbed the ’Great British Battleaxe’, Christine, will entertain with her wit, humour and countless stories about the World of Westminster and her celebrity friends. Tickets cost 40 and include a pink champagne reception from 12noon followed by a two course meal, fabulous Clarins goodie bags, chocolates courtesy of BT, spot prizes and your chance to win top prizes in a grand raffle. To book please contact Kirsty Thompson at UCF on 028 9068 0771 or email [email protected]

Think Pink! Bunny Walks: Registration is 10 for adults and 1 for children (includes complimentary free flashing bunny ears and a generous goody bag kindly sponsored by Lidl Northern Ireland). Supporters who take part are encouraged to wear pink.

You can join in a UCF Think Pink! bunny walk in Coleraine on Saturday, October 16. Registration at the Railway Arms from 7pm. Walk commences at 8 pm from Railway Place Car Park and finishes with buffet supper in the Railway Arms. This walk is approximately two miles. Sponsor forms are available from UCF Service Centre call 028 9066 3281 or you can collect them from the Railway Arms (10 registration required when requesting sponsor forms). For further information contact Sylvia Lucy, UCF on 07789 757165

MediCare Pharmacy Group’s Pink Link Day – during October (check your local MediCare Pharmacy for further information)

You can join the Pink Link, make a donation to UCF’s Think Pink! breast cancer awareness campaign and sign the ribbon of hope. You may also like to write a short dedication in memory of a loved one or in support of a family member or friend currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

For further information please contact Pauline or Derval at UCF on 028 9066 3281 [email protected] or [email protected]

Think Pink! boxes

To increase awareness of breast cancer and to raise funds for the campaign, UCF Think Pink! boxes filled with sparkly lapel badges, wrist-bands, mobile phone charms and car stickers will be positioned at UCF Charity Shops and MediCare Pharmacy stores across Northern Ireland as well as other outlets.

You can order a box to position inyour workplace where colleagues can purchase the merchandise for a minimum donation. To order a Think Pink! box please call Leonne at UCF on 028 9066 3281.