Survival rates now at 85%

Diagnosis and survival

Although Ireland’s rate of breast cancer diagnoses is very high, survival rates are encouraging, says Naomi Fitzgibbon of the

Irish Cancer Society

.

“According to the 2013 annual report of the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, female breast cancer incidence in Ireland was 12.5 per cent higher than the EU average and ranked sixth-highest of 27 countries,” she says.

“In general, highest incidence rates were found in northern and western Europe and lowest incidence in eastern European countries. This may reflect variation in national breast-cancer screening activities between countries.

“Irish mortality rates were the third-highest, after Belgium and Denmark, and were 22 per cent higher than the EU overall. However, despite this, Irish mortality/incidence ratios were the same as that found for the EU overall with two deaths for every 10 women diagnosed.

“Survival rates for breast cancer in Ireland have improved from 75 per cent in the period 1994-1999 to 85 per cent in the period 2008-2010.”

Breast changes to be aware of

A change in size or shape, for example

one breast becoming larger.

Changes in the nipple – in direction or shape, pulled in or flattened.

Rash, flaky or crusted skin changes in the skin. Dimpling, puckering or redness, orange-peel appearance of the skin caused by unusually enlarged pores “swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone”.

A lump of any size, or thickening in your breast.

Constant pain in one part of your breast or armpit.

Awareness month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are many fundraising events around the country. For more information about any of the walks in aid of the

Marie Keating Foundation

, or about the free forum, or to find out where to donate old bras to raise money for charity,see mariekeating.ie or call 01-6283728.

The Irish Cancer Society is also holding several events and walks to raise awareness during October. See cancer.ie and paintitpink.ie or call 1800-200700.

BreastCheck is a Government-funded programme that is part of the National Cancer Screening Service.

Women aged 50 to 64 are invited for a free mammogram every two years, with the aim of reducing deaths from breast cancer by finding and treating the disease at an early stage.

BreastCheck encourages all women who receive an invitation to attend their appointment. To raise any concerns or questions about appointments, contact BreastCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55. See breastcheck.ie.