Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute is asking people to hold fundraising events this October. The funds raised will aid research involving microwave breast imaging; a more accurate measure of finding the disease which improves patient outcomes.

The charity is urging people to get involved at home, at work or in the community to support research into breast cancer disease. The research institute offers help with individual fundraising ideas by providing first-hand advice.

Speaking to Galway Pulse, Jimmy Cubbard from PR and Event Management with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute explained that the charity has fundraising packs available to help promote the event.

“If you would like to organise a fundraiser, the charity can help you highlight your event with a fundraising pack containing balloons, information brochures and more,” said Mr Cubbard.

Afternoon tea, pink at the Races and Blackrock swims

Currently, the charity is hosting three fundraising events during October to mark breast cancer awareness month. Keeping it country with afternoon tea at the G Hotel takes place on October 23rd. The event will host a performance from singer-songwriter Marc Roberts.

A special session at the Galway Races, Race in Pink, is also taking place on the 30th of October. The team at the institute is working closely with management to hold a successful event.

Michael Kerin, Professor of Surgery at the University of Galway and Practicing Breast Cancer Surgeon commented: “we got a great collaboration going on with the race committee”.

Swim in Pink is also taking place on October 31st with Blackrock Swimwear, encouraging people to sign up individually or in a team to take a dip at Ladies Beach at the Salthill Promenade.

“Research has transformed how we manage breast cancer.”

Professor Michael Kerin.

The funds raised are essential for research, which will aid in identifying the main factors and causes that affect this disease. It enables the development of efficient diagnostic tools, treatments and medication to treat and prevent the disease. Michael Kerin emphasised this.

“Research has transformed how we manage breast cancer in my lifetime. We thought that if breast cancer developed, you needed to do a mastectomy to cure it. Now we know that a lumpectomy cures most breast cancers,” he said.

Similarly, research has transformed early detection and improvements of outcomes for patients.

According to Professor Kerin, “there are some types of breast cancers that we don’t pick up well on mammography. Now, we are looking at breast MRI scanning”.

“Current research involves microwave breast imaging. This tries to identify better if the breast is harbouring breast cancer,” he explained.

Improving treatment outcomes

Professor Kerin further explained that research changed the outlook on chemotherapy. It is no longer given to all patients.

Additionally, more targeted treatments are developed. He commented on how “research has been essential to that”.

“From the view of systemic treatment of breast cancer, we went through a phase where we gave chemotherapy to the vast majority of women. Now we realise that we can identify people who require chemotherapy. They are now in the minority,” he added.

For more information on events, check out the Breast Cancer Research website or contact hello@breastcanceresearch.ie with your event idea.

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