Majority of enquiries to Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurses are about breast cancer

The vast majority of enquiries to the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline and Daffodil Centres around the country are in relation to breast cancer.

Last year over 3,670 contacts to the Society’s Freephone Cancer Nurseline and 13 Daffodil Centres were about breast cancer, making it the most enquired about type of cancer.

Emotional support, questions about treatment and symptom management, and talking to family members about cancer were the main concerns recorded by the Society last year through contacts made with the two cancer information and support services, both of which are funded through public donations. Queries came from both breast cancer patients and members of the public concerned about the disease (i.e. relatives of a patient, carers and people experiencing symptoms).

Cancer Nurseline Manager, Naomi Fitzgibbon said, “Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Ireland after non melanoma skin cancer, and it affects men too, so it’s no surprise that we get so many enquiries from people who are either concerned about breast cancer, or who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The majority of people who contact us are looking for emotional support. A cancer diagnosis can be very frightening. A lot of people are so shocked when they hear they have cancer they don’t take in a lot of the information from their doctor. As a result they will have a lot of questions about their diagnosis, treatment and possible side effects. Often times they just want to talk to someone who can understand what they are going through. That’s where the Cancer Nurse comes in. We are there to listen to any worries or concerns and to provide advice and reassurance to help anyone concerned about breast, or any type of cancer.”

[[{"fid":"7435","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of Michael Reynolds, breast cancer survivor","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of Michael Reynolds, breast cancer survivor","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"alt":"Photo of Michael Reynolds, breast cancer survivor","style":"float: right; margin: 5px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]Breast cancer survivor Michael Reynolds, from Leitrim, rang the Cancer Nurseline during his cancer journey. He was diagnosed last year at the age of 30.

“During treatment the oncology team are there for you the whole time. What I found difficult was when treatment ended, that support drops off. If I had an ache or pain or was concerned about anything I would ring the Nurseline for advice and the nurses were very helpful. I found it difficult enough with this support, so I can’t imagine going through cancer without it. Men can be reluctant to talk or to get support but it does help.”

To speak to a Cancer Nurse on any aspect of breast cancer contact the Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700, email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie or drop into one of our 13 Daffodil Centres in hospitals nationwide.

Members of the public can help support people affected by breast cancer by raising funds to ensure these vital services are available to breast cancer patients and anyone worried about the disease. This October the Society is calling on people to get involved in its Cups against cancer campaign by hosting a coffee morning to ensure no one has to face cancer alone.

Register now at www.cancer.ie/cupsagainstcancer or donate €4 by texting PINK to 50300*.

*(Text costs €4. Irish Cancer Society will receive a minimum of €3.25. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278.)