A Dunmurry mum has urged women to be more breast aware after she was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 34.
Kathy Farrell was diagnosed nine years ago and is backing Cancer Focus Northern Ireland's support Your Girls campaign, which runs until the end of October.
The mum-of-three has had eight operations including a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and a hysterectomy. Her long-term health has been affected in other ways too – she has depression and anxiety along with fibromyalgia, nerve damage in her hands and feet and chronic fatigue.
But she has hailed the services of the charity as they urge women and girls to have a virtual get together and hold a special girls’ night in to raise money for breast cancer support for younger women in Northern Ireland.
The charity plans to use the money raised from the girls night events to run specialist six week service that will give young women a chance to speak to experts on a wide range of topics such as infertility and sexual relationships, as well as to meet others in a similar situation.
Kathy said: “I think a new service for young women with this devastating disease is an inspirational idea. Young women have their own special set of problems to face and may have young children to look after during their illness.
"It would be excellent for them to have access to experienced professionals who can answer their many questions. It’s also fantastic to have women your own age and in similar circumstances to talk to in confidence. This kind of support is invaluable.”
Rosie Forsythe, community fundraising manager, Cancer Focus NI, said: “This is such a good cause and a great way to raise money for charity. One in ten women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.
“The young women we want to help are at a stage in their lives where they may be making big life choices, such as marriage and starting a family. A breast cancer diagnosis can dramatically change all their hopes and plans for the future. It is vital we have the best possible support in place for these women, especially now when there are so many other stresses and difficulties in life because of Covid-19.”
Cool FM radio presenter Rebecca McKinney, the charity’s ambassador for the campaign said: “This is an excellent breast cancer awareness campaign as well as a fundraiser for an extremely important cause and I’m so proud to be an ambassador.
“Personally, I’ve learnt how crucial it is to keep an eye out for the early signs of breast cancer. Women need to examine their breasts regularly to get to ‘know their normal’. We need to keep an eye out for anything we feel is not quite right – some of the signs include a lump in the breast, puckered skin, thickening, a rash, oozing or crusting.
“Now is the right time for a new campaign to remind women to pay attention to any changes in their breasts, to learn how to spot the signs of breast cancer and to see their doctor straight away if they have any concerns. One tip is to set a monthly reminder on your phone.”
Not sure how to check your breasts or what to look out for? Cancer Focus NI has a short video to explain what you need to look out for and here are some simple signs to look for:
Check for anything that is not normal for you:
A lump
Thickening of the skin
A dimple or puckering of the skin
Change in size or shape of one breast
Any unusual sensation / pain / discomfort in one breast
Veins becoming more visible
Discharge from the nipple (especially blood-stained)
Change in nipple shape / inverted nipple
Persistent rash on a breast
