Cancer Focus services uptake rose 21% in 2013

Cancer Focus delivers a range of free services to support people in Northern Ireland affected by cancer and to help communities take positive steps towards a healthier life to lower their risk of cancer.  

Significant areas of growth in the last year included counselling (13%), art therapy (17%), Beauty for Life (74%), smoking service (37%), cancer prevention training and awareness sessions for professionals (34%) and health education in schools (17%).

Roisin Foster, Chief Executive of Cancer Focus, said: “There are more than 70,000 people living with cancer in Northern Ireland at the moment. As that number continues to rise, so does the need for support for those affected by the disease.

“This year’s increase in uptake demonstrates the demand for the quality services we provide and we are determined, with help from the public, to continue expanding so that we can reach even more of the people who need us.   

“As well as providing care, one of our main aims is to raise awareness of a healthy lifestyle and the signs and symptoms of cancer, as prevention and early diagnosis are vital.

“During 2013 we reached a record 50,000 children through our Schools Health Education Package (SHEP) and have extended our stop smoking support service for young people. We have also improved engagement with the public and trained health professionals on a number of issues including men’s health, skin cancer, smoking and workplace health.”

New Cancer Focus care services introduced in the last year at hospital bedsides included the Beauty for Life service and art therapy for children. Due to the addition of a new part-time family support officer, the charity’s family support service has also been able to expand in the mid-ulster area.

Roisin said: “Another new initiative is the Sing for Life community choir, developed in partnership by Cancer Focus and the Crescent Arts Centre, for anyone affected by cancer. It has proven extremely successful to date with more than 100 members signed up and a programme of public performances planned.  

“We work to offer a wide range of care and cancer prevention services that really meet the needs of our community. We’re delighted that more people are using our services and are truly benefiting from them.”

Each year Cancer Focus handles around 1,000 calls on its free helpline (0800 783 3339), provides bra fittings for more than 500 women who’ve had breast cancer, delivers health checks on board the ManVan to about 2,000 men, and supports over 250 people through our regional patient support groups.

For more information on the services the charity provides visit www.cancerfocusni.org, call 028 9066 3281 or email [email protected].