Irish Cancer Society is appealing for public to make donation to fund crucial services for breast cancer patients

The Irish Cancer Society is appealing to the public to make a donation this October to help fund crucial services for patients affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common form of invasive cancer affecting women in Ireland, and as a result these patients are one of the main users of the Society’s information, care and support services.

In 2017 the Society saw a 52% growth in breast cancer patients availing of the free Volunteer Driver Service. Almost 300 breast cancer patients used the service last year to get to and from their chemotherapy appointments. The Society also witnessed a 12% increase in breast cancer patients availing of free counselling sessions to help them cope with their diagnosis. Over 500 breast cancer patients had counselling through the Society’s affiliated cancer support centres.

Last year the majority of enquiries to the Society’s free Cancer Nurseline and Daffodil Centres were from breast cancer patients or their concerned family members. Over 3,700 enquiries were received from people seeking emotional support and advice about their diagnosis.

Joan Kelly, Cancer Support Manager said: “Over 3,100 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. Therefore it’s no surprise that we get so many enquires for support and information from those affected by this type of cancer. Our services are there to ensure those concerned about or affected by cancer get the help they need, that could be transport to their lifesaving hospital appointments, or the opportunity to share their worries and fears with a Cancer Nurse in one of the Society’s Daffodil Centres or on our Cancer Nurseline. The Society is 98% funded by public donations, so to meet the growing demand for services we rely heavily on people’s generosity to continue to make sure these services are available.”

To help fund vital services during breast cancer awareness month visit www.cancer.ie/cupsagainstcancer or donate €4 by texting PINK to 50300. (Text costs €4. Irish Cancer Society will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278.)