UUP MLA welcomes launch at Stormont of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Speaking at the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Stormont today, UUP South Down MLA John McCallister said,
“I welcome today’s launch of the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month for October. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer amongst women in Northern Ireland. Every year around 900 women are diagnosed with the disease and one in twelve women will develop the cancer during their life time. These large numbers mean that many families in our society will, either directly or indirectly, have their lives affected by breast cancer.
“I am pleased that because of recent developments in awareness and early detection, recovery rates are showing signs of improvement. Today in Northern Ireland there are 6,000 women living with a diagnosis of Breast Cancer. To ensure that we continue to see an improvement in these figures all women should be entitled to a detection service which is easily accessible and does not require excessive waiting times.
“I urge everyone to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, both by increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease and by raising much needed financial support. It is essential that adequate funding is available to allow research to continue, so that hopefully one day this will be a thing of the past. It is also crucial that those who are experiencing the reality of breast cancer are treated with dignity and are provided with the support they deserve.”