Action Cancer urges women to book free breast screenings as survivors share their stories
Guests pictured at Action Cancer’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month launch event, which brought together ambassadors, supporters and partners to help raise awareness of the importance of breast screening and early detection.
Saturday 17 October 2026
Women whose breast cancers were detected through Action Cancer’s free screening service are sharing their experiences to encourage others across Northern Ireland to book potentially life-saving appointments.
The charity has brought together a new group of ambassadors for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early detection and the free mammograms available to women aged 40–49 and 70 and over.
The campaign, supported by Gordons Chemists, comes as figures show that 1,513 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Northern Ireland each year, with 310 deaths annually. Breast cancer accounts for approximately 30% of all cancer diagnoses among women.
Free screening for women outside routine NHS age groups
Action Cancer provides free breast screening for women aged 40–49 and 70 and over who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
Women aged 50–70 are encouraged to attend routine NHS breast screening when invited.
Appointments are available at Action Cancer House in Belfast and aboard the charity’s Big Bus, supported by SuperValu and Centra, which visits approximately 175 locations throughout Northern Ireland each year.
The charity aims to screen up to 8,000 women annually and reports detecting eight cancers for every 1,000 screenings, with most women receiving reassurance following their appointment.
Advanced technology helps detect hidden cancers
L-R: Donna Kelly, Lead Advanced Practice Radiographer, Action Cancer; Fiona McQuillan, Pharmacist, Gordons Chemists; Shauna Benson, Ambassador, Action Cancer; Alison Flynn, Ambassador, Action Cancer; Sandra Kelly, Ambassador, Action Cancer; and Claire McCollum, BCAM Event Host.
Action Cancer says its screening clinic is the only one in the UK and Ireland using Tomosynthesis, a form of 3D breast imaging, as part of its screening process.
The technology can help identify small cancers that may otherwise be difficult to see within breast tissue.
Donna Kelly, Lead Advanced Practice Radiographer at Action Cancer, explained:
“Our clinic is unique in that it is the only one in the UK and Ireland to use Tomosynthesis (3D) breast imaging during the screening process. This technology has the ability to detect very small cancers that are hidden in the breast tissue.
“The goal of our hard-working X-ray team is to always make sure that every client gets the best possible care. The staff at Action Cancer are both experienced and caring, driven by the belief that they are genuinely making a difference. We offer a straightforward online and phone booking process, and a comfortable screening space for clients to visit. Evening and weekend appointments are also on offer.”
The charity recently welcomed women whose cancers had been detected through its screening programme to a celebration at Action Cancer House in Belfast.
The women, who have become ambassadors for the service, will share their personal stories throughout October to encourage others to attend screening.
Reflecting on the event, Donna added:
“Meeting the women who have overcome breast cancer and who joined us to celebrate has been a tremendous experience for the team and me. My colleagues were happy to show these women around our Therapeutic Suite and to tell them more about the integrative oncology services available to aid in their mental and physical rehabilitation, both locally in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.”
She also encouraged eligible women to make an appointment, saying:
"We have now opened up breast screening appointments in October for ladies to book. Early detection saves lives, so book your mammogram today.”
Gordons Chemists marks 21 years of support
L-R: Alison Flynn, Ambassador, Action Cancer; Shauna Benson, Ambassador, Action Cancer; and Sandra Kelly, Ambassador, Action Cancer.
Gordons Chemists is supporting the awareness campaign for the 21st consecutive year, with its 55 stores across Northern Ireland turning pink throughout October to raise funds and promote breast cancer awareness.
Fiona McQuillan, Pharmacist at Gordons Chemists, said:
“It was truly remarkable to honour these incredible women whose lives were saved by Action Cancer's breast screening programme.
“Gordons Chemists is honoured to be associated with Action Cancer and is celebrating our 21st year of corporate support in 2026.
“Our 55 stores in Northern Ireland will turn pink throughout October in an effort to raise funds and promote the important message that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. We sincerely appreciate the support that our staff and customers have shown for this wonderful cause.”
How to book a free breast screening
Action Cancer is currently accepting appointments for eligible women, with evening and weekend appointments also available.
• Who can book: Women aged 40–49 and 70 and over who have no breast cancer symptoms.
• Cost: Free.
• Locations: Action Cancer House, Belfast, and the Big Bus at locations across Northern Ireland.
• Online booking: www.actioncancer.org
• Telephone booking: 028 9080 3344.
Breast screening is intended for women without symptoms. Anyone who notices a breast lump or other unusual breast changes should contact their GP rather than wait for a routine screening appointment.
Breast Friends campaign aims to raise £30,000
Alongside its awareness activities, Action Cancer is appealing for public support to raise £30,000 through its Breast Friends fundraising campaign.
The charity says each free breast screening costs £120 to deliver and receives no government funding for the service, making donations essential to keeping appointments available.
People are being encouraged to organise their own fundraising events, including coffee mornings, paint-and-sip gatherings, pamper days and ladies’ nights.
Events can be held at home, in local salons, gyms or other community venues, allowing friends and neighbours to support breast screening services for women across Northern Ireland.
Anyone interested in taking part can request a Breast Friends Fundraising Pack, containing pink-themed materials, by emailing Lisa McClenaghan at breastfriends@actioncancer.org.
For women eligible for Action Cancer’s screening programme, appointments are available now, while the Breast Friends appeal offers local communities another way to help ensure the free service remains accessible to those who need it.
