UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, Breast Cancer Ireland, and the Gaelic Athletic Association/Gaelic Players Association have partnered together to promote Breast Health Awareness in GAA clubs across the country.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, Breast Cancer Ireland, and the Gaelic Athletic Association/Gaelic Players Association have partnered together to promote Breast Health Awareness in GAA clubs across the country. Through education seminars held at GAA clubs nationwide, the aim of the partnership will be to promote breast health awareness and advise on how to check for signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The seminars are open to all GAA club members.

Research from earlier this year by Breast Cancer Ireland indicated worryingly low levels, across all age groups, of self-checking behaviours and knowledge of the eight signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Therefore, one of the aims of this partnership is to improve behaviours and knowledge through awareness and education. Key findings show that 75% of women still do not know how to properly check their breasts; 33% say they don’t know all of the signs and symptoms they are looking for, and 46% say they simply don’t make time to check their breasts regularly.

Breast Cancer Ireland's Outreach Coordinator, Olivia Carpenter explained, "we can further change the landscape of this disease for the better into the future. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the treatment outcome. Outreach across the GAA communities means that we will continue to drive important awareness of this disease in local communities, and in turn save lives."

Commenting on the launch of this exciting initiative, Mary Hickey, Director of Oncology, UPMC in Ireland, said, “The development and support of this important breast health and awareness programme is a natural fit for UPMC as a trusted health care provider and innovator. UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre is one of the largest integrated networks of cancer experts in the world. In Ireland, we are a cancer care partner to the HSE, various hospital groups, the oncology service for the South East and organisations that support patients throughout their cancer journey. As official healthcare partner to the GAA/GPA, this programme is a natural fit and will help hundreds of thousands of people in our sporting communities to live healthier lives.”