One woman in Ireland is diagnosed with breast cancer almost every three hours, shocking new data has revealed.
The latest figures show that there were 2,671 new cases of breast cancer in 2010. It is now the second most common cancer in Ireland after non-melanoma skin cancer.
Research also suggests that Irish women have a one in ten chance of developing breast cancer during their lifetime.
These figures are putting more emphasis on the importance for women to check their breasts regularly and to keep their assets healthy.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it aims to draw attention to the disease and to raise vital funds for research.
On a positive note, studies have also shown that raising this awareness is making a difference to Irish women’s lives. There has been a 30 per cent hike in breast cancer survival rates in the past ten years.
Now the Irish Cancer Society is calling on people to support its Get The Girls campaign and organise a fundraiser to help fight the ‘silent disease’.
It might be a Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we need to raise awareness all year around.
Irish Cancer Society boss John McCormack said: “Most people in Ireland know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Now more than ever, we need funding for our work.”
It has also been suggested that maybe we should examine our everyday lives, as it was revealed that four in ten breast cancer cases are linked to poor lifestyle choices.
Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by being active, maintaining a healthy weight, drinking less and not smoking.
Get the word out. Keep yourself aware and your breasts healthy with these tips here.
