Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has urged women to undergo screening for breast cancer.
The West Belfast MP made the plea after it was confirmed a number of mobile clinics will visit venues around his constituency during October which is breast cancer awareness month.
The mobile clinic will visit the BIFHE campus in Whiterock Campus today and tomorrow and Ballymurphy Women's Centre on Wednesday.
The clinic is also due to visit the Maureen Sheehan Centre in Albert Street on October 22nd, Tar Anall in Conway Street on October 23rd, Tullymore Community Centre on October 27th and the Colin Community Forum, Dairyfarm Shopping Centre October 28th
Mr Adams told a conference on breast cancer in Whiterock: "This is an important initiative for women throughout this constituency.
"The statistics surrounding breast cancer are absolutely appalling - 300 women die each year in the North while almost a thousand new cases are diagnosed."
Mr Adams said he had personal experience of the heartache caused by families and friends contracting breast cancer.
"Prevention is the key to tackling breast cancer. I would urge women, but especially those in west Belfast where the mobile clinic will be visiting thismonth, to avail of its screening service."
PA