Being Dense

There is no medicine like hope

no incentive so great

and no tonic so powerful as the expectation of tomorrow

 

Orison Swett Marden

The Daffodil, which is the first sign of Spring, is an iconic symbol and has been widely associated with cancer awareness for some time. The concept of Daffodil Day began in Canada in the 1950s.

Daffodil Day in Ireland-Friday March 24th 2017

Breast density has long been considered a precursor to breast cancer. Research into this is ongoing around the world.

In Ireland women are not routinely told about their breast density. Radiology reports are not routinely shared. Women are largely unaware of the importance of knowing their breast density. Breast screening protocols in Ireland do not require this information to be shared with women.

It is over 50 years since The Irish Cancer Society was founded by Professor Austin Darragh. Professor Darragh began the society after being shocked by a statistic that 100 people in Ireland died each year from curable skin cancer, due to lack of knowledge or information available to know when to seek treatment.

Treatment and diagnosis of cancer has improved dramatically over 50 years.

Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment outcomes.

Statistics now show that one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

Mandatory reporting of breast density would ensure a woman could take control over her breast care and make informed choices about what type of screening she may require with equal access to early breast cancer diagnosis.