Health Minister Views Services at Ulster Cancer Foundation

Roisin Foster, Chief Executive, Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF), said, “Cancer is a disease of major significance in Northern Ireland.   Over 11,200 local people are newly diagnosed with cancer every year and more than 70,000 families are now living with the disease. 

“The Ulster Cancer Foundation is dedicated to helping patients and their families cope when cancer strikes and our range of services from counselling to family support, art therapy to Beauty for Life are all provided free of charge to help enhance their quality of life.

“It was a great honour to showcase our range of services to the Health Minister and give him the opportunity to meet some of those who have benefitted from using our services.”

Mr Poots said: “I am very impressed by the work carried out by the Ulster Cancer Foundation.  We all know that a diagnosis of cancer has a profound effect not just on the patient, but also their family and friends.  I commend the Ulster Cancer Foundation’s work in helping and supporting people through this difficult time.”

Roisin Foster added, “The visit was also an opportunity to share what we are doing to reduce the impact of cancer by funding research into the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer in Northern Ireland.   Our education and prevention programmes - targeting workplaces, young people, those most at risk and hard to reach groups - are vital in raising awareness of cancer, its signs and symptoms and how to reduce your risk.

“We are grateful to the Health Minister’s support for our campaigning and advocacy work on issues such as sunbed legislation, ensuring equal access to cancer drugs and protecting children from second-hand smoke by legislating against smoking in cars and at home.  All these activities raise awareness of cancer issues and help to influence and improve cancer services and public health policy.”