New bra-fitting service for cancer patients in Omagh

Northern Ireland's leading cancer charity, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, is inviting women to come along for a confidential bra-fitting consultation in a sensitive and caring environment at Care For Cancer,1 Campsie Place, Omagh. The new service will be available each Monday from 10am with the last appointment at 2.15pm.

 The service will be facilitated by local women Hazel Harness and Florence Funston who have been trained by Cancer Focus.

 This is the seventh bra-fitting service that Cancer Focus (the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation) has set up in Northern Ireland, in addition to Belfast, Altnagelvin, Enniskillen, Dungannon, Newry and Cookstown. There are also plans to provide a new service in the Northern Trust area in the near future.

The Omagh launch coincides with Cancer Focus’s annual Think Pink! breast cancer awareness campaign which runs throughout October.

Eileen Creery, Care Services Co-ordinator, Cancer Focus, said: “After surgery and treatment for breast cancer some women feel less confident about their body and self-image.

 “Feeling good in your clothes can make a real difference and following breast surgery there is no reason why women shouldn’t continue to wear the clothes they love.

“We have a wide range of the latest attractive styles to suit different activities and lifestyles and our staff will help you choose the right bra, in the right size, to suit you,” she said.

“The service is completely free and totally private. The specially designed bras can also be bought at cost price.  Women from the Omagh area will no longer have to travel long distances to shop for what they need.” 

Lavinia Armstrong, Centre Manager, Care for Cancer, said: "I am delighted that Care for Cancer is now offering the new bra-fitting service. Over the years clients have asked if it is possible to provide bra-fitting locally so they don't have to travel.

 “Moving to bigger premises at Campsie Placehas enabled us do that. I would encourage local women who have had breast cancer surgery to come into the Care for Cancer centre for a professional fitting. This individual and sensitive service will help them to feel more confident and comfortable in their clothes."

Two local women who use the bra-fitting service are absolutely thrilled that it has become available on their door step.

Mrs Bernie Taggart said: "It is brilliant to have this service in Care for Cancer. In the past I had to travel to Altnagelvin which wasn't very convenient. I've waited 13 years to have this facility in Omagh - I'm so pleased I've already booked my first appointment! The atmosphere in the centre is so relaxed and friendly and everything is confidential."

 Another client, Mrs Jennifer Hawkes, commented: "I love the fact that going into the Care for Cancer centre feels much more normal. I've found travelling to the hospital environment can bring all the bad memories back and shopping online can be very hit or miss. Now, I will be able to pop into town, call into the centre for my appointment, browse through different styles and get help to get the right fit. A real improvement."

To book an appointment or to find out further information about the service please contact Care for Cancer on 028 8224 6599.

For more information about Cancer Focus click on www.cancerfocusni.org or call 028 9066 3281.

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For further information please contact:

                                                                                                   Pauline Wylie, PR & Events Manager, Cancer Focus, on

                                                                                                                  028 9066 3281 / 07810 371118

                                                                                                                                            or

Marie Foy, PR & Events Officer, Cancer Focus, on

028 9066 3281 / 07736 358692