Support Your Girls – raise funds for breast cancer patients.
A Dromara family have stepped up to pose as poster models to help promote the new Cancer Focus Northern Ireland fundraising campaign, Support Your Girls, during breast cancer awareness month in October.
The leading local cancer charity is asking women to hold a fun girls’ night in to raise money for breast cancer support for younger women in Northern Ireland.
The campaign will also highlight signs and symptoms of the disease and stress the importance of checking your breasts regularly.
The Greer family from Dromara agreed to take part in a photoshoot to help raise awareness of the campaign and can be seen on billboards and bus shelters all over Northern Ireland.
Louise Greer, who is a fundraiser for Cancer Focus NI, said: “In my job I meet so many people who have been affected by cancer. And everyone in my family also know someone who has had a difficult time because of this awful disease.
“We all think this campaign is a wonderful idea and we are more than glad to help out. We know that one in ten local women get cancer, which is a scary number. It could be your mother, your sister, your daughter, your friend. That very much makes it a family affair, which I think is reflected in this beautiful photograph. We do have to support each other.
“We hope that local ladies will come on board with us and help raise money to support young women who find themselves in this position.”
Rosie Forsythe, community fundraising manager, Cancer Focus NI, said: “We know that there is a great need for more support among younger women who have breast cancer. Sometimes young women think they aren’t at risk because there is no history in their family and because they are young, so it can be an even greater shock for them if they are diagnosed.
“The women we are helping are at a stage in their lives where they may be considering big life changes, such as marriage and starting a family, and a breast cancer diagnosis can dramatically change all their hopes and plans for the future.
“Our unique new six week service will give them a chance to speak to experts on a wide range of topics such as infertility and sexual relationships as well as giving them the chance to meet others in a similar situation,” she said.
Rosie added that all women need to check their breasts regularly to get to ‘know their normal’. They should keep an eye out for anything they feel is not quite right, such as lumps or bumps, puckered skin, thickening, a rash, oozing or crusting. Early detection means better survival rates, so it’s essential that women get this information.
“We’re asking women everywhere to get involved by hosting a girls’ night in for a few friends to raise vital funds. Do whatever you and your friends enjoy doing – and ask for a donation to Cancer Focus NI. It could be a film night, a pyjama party, pizza treats, makeovers, the list is endless. It’s a great reason to have a good time with the girls,” said Rosie.
Not sure how to check your breasts or what to look out for? Cancer Focus NI has a short video to explain what you need to look out for on its website and social media channels. You can find out more about the Support Your Girls campaign and the signs and symptoms on the charity’s website: www.cancerfocusni.org/girls.
Don’t forget to share your girls’ night in with us on social media !
FACT FILE
Check for anything that is not normal for you:
· A lump
· Thickening of the skin
· A dimple or puckering of the skin
· Change in size or shape of one breast
· Any unusual sensation / pain / discomfort in one breast
· Veins becoming more visible
· Discharge from the nipple (especially blood-stained)
· Change in nipple shape / inverted nipple
· Persistent rash on a breast
