Yvonne Boyle, Alliance Westminster Candidate, has welcomed Action Cancer’s launch of their new breast screening project for women over 40. Following discussions the leading cancer charity’s Chief Executive Robin McRoberts, Ms Boyle, a Senior Social Worker in the Health Service, said:
“As the only female Westminster Candidate in East Londonderry and as a woman over 40, I particularly welcome this initiative which will provide a
new digitally-compatible mammomat to help screen women at the reduced age of 40. As complimentary service to the NHS, who provide a service for
women over fifty, this project increasesthe potential of early detection, an important line of defence against this disease.
“Nearly 900 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in Northern Ireland and more than 300 deaths occur. Over 120,000 women in the province fall into the 40-50 year age bracket. Many women in Coleraine and Limavady areas will know family members, colleagues and friends who have been affected.
“As a mental health therapist, I am pleased that Action Cancer’s Strategic Plan also flags up the need for post diagnosis counselling and the importance of support for husbands, partners and the wider family network.
“The Strategic Plan also includes the setting up of a Mobile Screening Unit which will provide services throughout Northern Ireland, such as East
Londonderry. This will enhance locally based services in a situation where there are only 4 main hospital-based Cancer Centres serving the whole of Northern Ireland.
“Those who are concerned should ring Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 for an appointment. After a double reading system for all mammogram films (with 2 Consultant radiologists reporting on each mammogram), those requiring further investigation and treatment will be referred on to their GPs.”
ENDS