With one in nine women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and 30 per cent of those between the ages of 20-50, the Ireland players are keen to use their profile to shine a spotlight on these worrying statistics.
As they prepare for Friday’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 qualifier away to Ukraine in Kyiv, the Ireland squad took time to raise awareness by wearing Breast Cancer Ireland face-masks, which can be bought here to support funding for further research.
Katie McCabe, Ireland WNT captain, said: “It’s really important to raise as much awareness as possible about breast cancer because it is something that affects so many women around the world and has a huge impact on families.
“Research, education and awareness are all key to tackling breast cancer, so on behalf of the Ireland Women’s National Team I’d like to encourage women from the age of 20 upwards to download the Breast Aware app and learn about the eight signs and symptoms.”
Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team during this Breast Cancer Awareness month.
“Women supporting and empowering others to be more breast aware is critical if we are going to change the landscape of this disease into the future. Knowing what is normal today, should an abnormality arise is important in ensuring a more positive treatment outcome.”
For more information, visit www.breastcancerireland.com
About Breast Cancer Ireland
Breast Cancer Ireland is a registered charity established to raise funds in support of pioneering research and to provide education and awareness on the importance of good breast health for women of all ages nationally.
The overall aim is, through research, to transform breast cancer from often being a fatal disease, with over 690 deaths annually, to treatable illness that can be managed long-term.
There are 3,100 new cases diagnosed annually and 30% of those are in women between the ages of 20-50 years. With 1 in 9 women being diagnosed in their lifetime, its important that women understand the signs and symptoms to look out for and currently we are funding a complimentary service nationwide where Outreach Coordinators visit schools, community groups and companies to educate women on the importance of good breast health.
We have developed a free to download App called Breast Aware, that offers a discreet monthly reminder to your phone, a simulated video guide on how to perform a self breast examination properly and an outline of the 8 signs and symptoms to look out for...our motto is #awarenesssaveslives
We have made lots of advances in the research arena evidenced in our survival rates improving to 85%; our mortality rates reduce 2% annually and to day every patient diagnosed receives their own personalised and tailored treatment plan because no longer is it effective that only one treatment fits all.
With this more personalised approach we are seeing 50% less patients requiring chemotherapy as their standard treatment of care instead we are seeing more innovative combined drug therapies that are far more effective with much less side effects.
We have much done but still a lot more to do!
Ukraine v Republic of Ireland
UEFA 2022 Women’s European Championship Qualifying – Group I
Friday, October 23
Obolon Arena, Kyiv
KO 17:00 (Irish Time)
LIVE on RTE2
#UKRIRL