A PORTAFERRY woman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer one month after her mum received the same diagnosis, is appealing to women to make use of the latest technology to detect the disease.
Sharon Fitzsimons, 37, and her mother were diagnosed with breast cancer last year but after a year long battle they are both doing well and are looking forward to the future rather than dwelling on the past.
“These days both my mum and I are doing fantastic and we are getting on with our ‘new’ lives,” said Sharon.
The introduction of a new software program by Northern Ireland’s leading cancer charity, Action Cancer has been supported by the two Portaferry women. The new BreastAware app was developed to help inform and educate local women on how to become more breast aware and on the importance of screening.
Sharon remarked that this new app is a brilliant idea as its now even easier for women to understand a lot more about breast cancer, “I think Action Cancer’s BreastAware app is a wonderful tool to help women find out more about how to check their breasts correctly and on the importance of screening,” she said.
There are a number of videos that feature on the app offering advice on screening and on how best to check your breasts, there’s a reminder facility to do so regularly and at the push of a button the ability to make an appointment for screening, counselling or a complementary therapy session.
Joanna Currie, Consultant Radiographer at Action Cancer has also said that it is a brilliant advancement in technology.
“The BreastAware app presents an easy way to understand how to become more breast aware and aware of lifestyle choices that can increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer,” she said.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females with approximately 45 women diagnosed and 12 women lose their lives to the disease each year in the Down District Council area.
“This is an incredible development from Action Cancer that will connect with women across Northern Ireland and encourage them to check their breast regularly,” said TV presenter and Action Cancer patron, Zoe Salmon.