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Translink and Ulster Cancer Foundation Urge Public to ‘Think Pink!’ During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

25 September 2008:

Staff at Translink Metro are gearing up to Think Pink! during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as they team up with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) to increase awareness of the disease and help support local women with breast cancer.

The successful Think Pink! partnership, now in it’s third year, is on the road again with over 400 Metro buses across greater Belfast promoting the familiar pink logo and highlighting UCF’s free and confidential breast cancer Information and Support Helpline number 0800 783 3339.

Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services, UCF said, “With support from Translink Metro calls to our helpline increased by 36% during Breast Cancer Awareness month last year. It is anticipated that calls will increase substantially this year as Translink Metro promote our Think Pink! campaign messages through on-board bus advertising as well as on over 400 buses in the greater Belfast area.

“UCF recognise that when women are diagnosed with breast cancer, having someone to speak to or knowing where to get support is very important. Our helpline service enables patients and their families to speak directly with a qualified nurse with experience in cancer issues. Callers can get up-to-date and easily understood information on cancer, practical advice and support, plus details of support groups, counselling, art therapy and other services in their area.

“Our cancer information and support helpline – 0800 783 3339 - is a vital service for anyone who is worried about symptoms, has received a cancer diagnosis, is undergoing treatment or living with cancer. This can be a very traumatic time, not just for the patient but also their family and friends.

“Many people have questions or concerns about what lies ahead while some want help to make sense of information they have received. Others want advice on how best to tell their children they have been diagnosed with cancer or are concerned about practical issues such as who will take care of them or how to deal with any financial consequences.

“People can also email any queries or concerns to UCF’s Cancer Information and Support Helpline to infocis@ulstercancer.org. The helpline is available Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm.”

UCF will also provide a number of workshops to raise awareness of breast cancer, its signs and symptoms, for Translink Metro staff as well as providing information on cancer prevention to help reduce risk of the disease. The interactive workshops will be held at various locations throughout October and will include a skin scanner which highlights skin damage caused by the sun, age progression software which graphically illustrates the effects of smoking, obesity and sun damage over time, carbon monoxide monitoring as well as models which provide a simulation of the most common symptom of testicular cancer, breast cancer, top tips on self-examination plus lots more.

Translink’s Central Area Network Manager Billy Gilpin said:

“With 500,000 passengers using Metro services on a weekly basis, our partnership with UCF is a very successful way of reaching a huge audience as well as other motorists and pedestrians. To reinforce UCF’s message that help and advice is out there for those affected by cancer we have worked together to develop a microsite www.metrothinkpink.co.uk. This facility provides information about the Think Pink! Campaign and other cancers and attracted more than 1000 visitors during Breast Cancer Awareness Month last year. We are hopeful that Metro’s involvement will once again help to increase awareness and enquiries to the confidential helpline.”

Breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer amongst women in Northern Ireland. Every year there are around 1,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed with one in 11 women developing the disease before the age of 75. Due to increased awareness and early detection more women are now being diagnosed with breast cancer; but the good news is that survival rates are improving. Today, there are around 7,000 women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer in Northern Ireland.

UCF provide support and services for women and their families as they deal with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Services are provided free of charge thanks to the support and contributions from local people and communities. All the money raised for UCF is spent here in Northern Ireland. Please show your support for local women with breast cancer by supporting UCF’s Think Pink! campaign.

Notes to Editors:

· Breast Cancer Signs/Symptoms
You should look out for anything, which is not normal for you. A lump is the most commonly recognised early symptom of breast cancer, but other symptoms can include:

- Any dent, puckering or dimpling of your breasts

- Thickening under the skin of your breasts or armpits

- Changes in size or shape of the breast

- Veins which stand out more than usual

- Any change in the position of your nipples – pulled inwards or pointing in a different direction

- Any discharge or bleeding from your nipples

- A rash around your nipples

- Any discomfort or pain in your breasts that is different from normal

- Any change in sensation in your breasts.

Don’t forget to check under your arms for lumps or anything unusual. Nine out of every ten lumps are harmless but every lump should be checked out by a doctor as the earlier breast cancer is discovered, the better the chances are of successful treatment and full recovery.

· Breast Screening Centres

Belfast Health & Social Care Trust
The Screening Centre

12-22 Linenhall Street, Belfast

BT2 8BS

Tel: 028 9033 3700

Northern Health & Social Care Trust
Northern Area Breast Screening & Assessment Unit

Level A, Antrim Area Hospital

45 Bush Road, Antrim, BT41 2RL

Tel: 028 9442 4425

Southern Health & Social Care Trust
The Breast Screening Unit

Lurgan Hospital, Sloan Street, Lurgan

BT66 8NX

Tel: 028 3834 7083

Western Health & Social Care Trust
The Breast Screening Unit