What
is Action Breast Cancer ?
Action Breast Cancer, a programme of
the Irish Cancer Society, is Ireland’s leading provider of breast cancer information
and support. Each year we reach over 25,000 women who are concerned
about breast cancer and breast health. We strive to ensure that
everyone affected by breast cancer receives the highest standards
of treatment, support and care, and to improve the quality of life
of people living with breast cancer.
Our
services include:
National Breast Cancer Helpline
Booklets and factsheets
Reach to Recovery
Counselling service
Younger women’s programme
Patient grants
Breast awareness education
Website
National Cancer Helpline
Freefone 1800 200 700
We offer information, support and advice in confidence to people
who are affected by breast cancer, or to people who have general
questions about their breast health. All calls to our helpline are
answered by specialist cancer nurses in confidence.
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Booklets and factsheets
We have a wide range of booklets and factsheets to help and guide
you at every stage of your breast cancer journey from diagnosis
to living with breast cancer after treatment has finished. Call
the National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700 or fill and send us the order form.Alternatively factsheets can be downloaded from the site.
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Reach to Recovery… someone who’s been there
Many people who have had breast cancer find it helps to talk to
someone who understands what you are going though. All our Reach
to Recovery volunteers have personal experience of breast cancer
and are trained to offer emotional support and practical advice,
face to face or by telephone. We do our best to put people in touch
with someone who lives nearby and has been through a similar experience.
To be put in touch with a Reach to Recovery volunteer, call the
National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700.
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Counselling service
Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, and many people
feel they cannot talk to a close friend or relative. The Irish Cancer
Society provides a free professional counselling service in a safe
and confidential environment. The service is available to patients
at all stages of their cancer journey, and can also be used by families
and partners. For more information call the National Breast
Helpline on 1800 200 700.
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Younger women’s programme
Our Younger Women’s Programme is for women under the age of
45 with a breast cancer diagnosis. The issues faced by a younger
woman are fundamentally different, and she often has greater life
challenges to face. Our services for younger women include
| • |
a
specialist nurse to meet the information and support needs of
younger women |
| • |
an information
booklet, You are not alone, dedicated specifically to the needs
of younger women |
| • |
in association
with Reach to Recovery, the careful selection and training of
volunteers to provide emotional and practical support for younger
women who have been recently diagnosed |
| • |
national
and regional conferences for younger women with breast cancer |
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Patient grants
A diagnosis of cancer can bring with it the added burden of financial
worries. In certain circumstances, the Irish Cancer Society can
provide limited financial assistance to patients in need. For more
information, patients should call the National Cancer Helpline
on 1800 200 700.
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Breast awareness education
Our expert team provides a range of talks and training courses on
breast awareness, breast health, and reducing your risk of getting
breast cancer.
Our team can also provide information stands for
community events, which can be tailored to suit different requirements.
We attend the following events and venues across
Ireland:
• health days
• workplaces, schools and universities
• hospitals and clinics
• health promotion events and health professional seminars
• conferences
• other suitable settings
For a free breast
awareness information pack or to discuss your queries with a specialist
nurse, call the National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700.
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Website
www.cancer.ie
If you would prefer to discuss your queries and concerns online,
you can email us at abc@irishcancer.ie,
and one of our specialist nurses will respond to their email.
All our booklets
and factsheets are available on this website.
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