October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, support, and action in the fight against breast cancer. This year, the focus remains strong on education, early detection, and empowerment, encouraging everyone to take steps to protect their health.

Why Breast Cancer Awareness Matters

In Ireland, over 3,400 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. While it predominantly affects women over 50, younger women are also at risk. Thanks to advancements in treatment and early detection, survival rates have greatly improved, but more awareness and support are still needed. Early detection through self-exams, mammograms, and education is crucial for increasing the chances of survival.

The Importance of Regular Screening

Regular screening plays a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. In Ireland, BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, offers free mammograms (breast x-rays) every two years to women aged 50 to 69.

Screening aims to find cancers at an early stage when they are too small for you to see or feel. When breast cancer is found at an early stage, there is an excellent chance of successful treatment.

Make sure that you are on the register by contacting BreastCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or checking online at www.breastcheck.ie and register here.

Preventing Breast Cancer

There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer but there are small steps all women can take to help reduce their risk.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer due to higher oestrogen levels stored in fat tissue.
2. Stay Active: Regular physical activity—30 to 60 minutes daily—has been linked to a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
3. Limit Alcohol Intake: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer. The more you drink, the greater the risk.
4. Avoid Smoking: Smoking is associated with many cancers, including breast cancer, especially in younger, premenopausal women.
5. Breastfeed: For women who can, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, particularly in premenopausal women.
6. Get Regular Screenings: Early detection is key, and regular screenings help catch cancer early when it’s most treatable.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that we all play a role in the fight against breast cancer. By increasing awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting life-saving research, we can continue to make strides toward a world without breast cancer.

If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, speak with your GP and don’t hesitate to call into Adrian Dunne Pharmacy and ask one our pharmacists for advice. You can find your local Adrian Dunne Pharmacy here.

For further information about breast cancer, you can visit the Marie Keating Foundation’s website at www.mariekeating.ie or the Irish Cancer Society’s website at www.cancer.ie.