Foundation advises women in their 20s to self-check for breast cancer
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Women in their 20s are coming to doctors with advanced breast cancer and this age group has been urged to learn how to self-check and reduce their risks.
Over 3,700 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually in Ireland, mainly among women.
The Marie Keating Foundation advised that there is no need to fear self-checks because, while only one in 10 lumps require further investigation, catching them early can make a big difference.
Deputy Lord Mayor Margaret McDonnell supported the campaign, saying in her job as a GP practice manager she sees the devastating impact this disease can have.
“We want to highlight awareness of that and highlight self-checking for young people,” she said.
The Marie Keating Foundation launched the 'Do it for the one you love' campaign, handing out guides on self-checks to people in the centre of Cork City on Thursday (scroll down to see guide).
Based on feedback from oncologists, Ms McDonnell said of the campaign: “It’s for younger women. They are seeing they are presenting now with advanced cancers. They haven’t been checking and they are presenting with Stage 2 cancer.”
Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing Services at the Marie Keating Foundation, said they partnered with Exact Sciences, a diagnostics company, on this.
“It is important to get familiar with your own body, to look and feel for any changes,” she advised.
“Look out for new lumps, rashes, puckering, inverted nipples or pain. If you notice anything that is unusual for you, go get it checked. It could be nothing but if it is something, early detection will lead to a more positive outcome and easier treatment path."
Free mammograms are available from age 50 to 69 in Ireland as the risk increases with age.
Answering questions on whether the age should be lowered, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said in the Dáil last week: “People have talked to me about going to 40. We can facilitate a discussion among clinicians and advocacy groups, together with the public more generally, about whether that is a clinically advised move.”
Meanwhile, a €5m research programme for breast cancer was also announced.
The PRISM (Precision Oncology Research Initiative for Metastatic Breast Cancer) programme involves research scientists including from University College Cork, Breast Cancer Ireland and pharmaceutical company Carrick Therapeutics.
Led by Professor Leonie Young, as director and Dr Damir Vareslija as co-director, this is the first national longitudinal study for advanced breast cancer patients.
Aisling Hurley, Breast Cancer Ireland CEO said they hope to “better understand and target the mechanisms of breast cancer spread — metastasis — and consequently develop new, more effective treatments”.