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THE South West launch of ‘Connect MBC Network’ – a new peer-to-peer community for women with advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) – will take place on Saturday, July 23 from 10am to 12 noon at Il Forno Restaurant, Courthouse Lane, Tralee.
The free event, which is hosted by Europa Donna Ireland with the support of Pfizer Healthcare, is open to those with advanced/ metastatic breast cancer and to members of their family and friends.
Please note that spaces for all events are limited and registration is required, either by emailing info@europadonnaireland.ie or phoning (01) 496 0198.
Europa Donna Ireland is a volunteer-run patient advocacy group working for better breast cancer services throughout Ireland.
According to Tara Byrne of Europa Donna Ireland, MBC is increasingly being seen by the medical profession as a chronic disease. “As many as 1,500 to 2,000 people in Ireland are living with metastatic breast cancer at any one time. But, despite these figures, there continues to be widespread misconceptions and misunderstandings about the disease.”
“The experiences and the knowledge of those living with this incurable disease are rarely spoken about. This is a situation that compounds the sense of isolation and hopelessness felt by many. ‘Connect MBC Network’ builds a safe online community where people with advanced/ metastatic breast cancer can connect with each other to find support, share experiences and learn more about their disease.”
According to recent research by Pfizer Healthcare and the European School of Oncology, the lack of support for those with advanced/ metastatic breast cancer is not unique to Ireland but, according to Ms. Byrne, it is a situation that is troubling.
According to the National Cancer Registry in Ireland there are approximately 2,800 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed per year. Despite considerable advances in the treatment of breast cancer, approximately 30% of those initially diagnosed with early stage breast cancer will eventually develop recurrent advanced or metastatic disease.
Very sad. I would like to see a support meet up for all metastatic cancers in Kerry though.