October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Irish Cancer Society, that runs Action Breast Cancer, is urging women across the country to be breast aware and ensure early detection.
More than 2,370 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in Ireland in 2005, with 75% of all breast cancer cases seen in women over the age of 50 years and 37% in women over 65.
According to the Irish Cancer Society, most Irish women don’t know that increasing age is one of the biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer.
Other risk factors include having an early menstruation or late menopause, not having children or having first child after the age of 30 and having a family history of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2007 includes a nationwide roadshow, which is visiting 12 locations in Dublin, Monaghan, Cavan, Sligo, Mayo, Kerry, Tipperary, Laois and Wexford, to provide information on breast cancer and breast health.
Pink ribbons are sold in pharmacies across the country for the month of October.
Action Breast Cancer has a freefone helpline: 1800 30 90 40
