Cancer Foundation 'Sets New Record'

A leading local cancer charity, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF), has had a record-breaking year reaching more people in Northern Ireland during 2011 than ever before, it revealed today.

In the past year UCF has brought its cancer prevention messages to almost 56,000 adults and children and has provided vital care services for 3,000 cancer patients, their families and carers.

UCF Chief Executive Roisin Foster (pictured) said: "We are delighted we have been able to make a difference to the lives of so many people across Northern Ireland this year.

"UCF aims to reduce the incidence of cancer, raise public awareness of the causes and signs of cancer, care for those affected by the disease and help fund research. It is thanks to the sterling efforts of our staff, supporters and volunteers that we are making important strides in these areas."

Over the past year UCF has provided almost 2,000 counselling services in Northern Ireland.

Its Helpline dealt with 1,292 enquiries and regular support groups were held for patients in 12 locations from Derry and Coleraine to Newry and Enniskillen.

Around 600 women used the UCF fitting service which is now available in Belfast, Londonderry, Dungannon, Newry and Enniskillen. More than 600 patients used UCF's volunteer driver service to attend hospital for cancer treatment, and 804 art therapy sessions were held - some at patients' bedsides.

Mrs Foster said that one of the most successful new initiatives in 2010/11 was the ManVan - a purpose-built mobile unit which takes health checks and advice to men in rural areas in the Southern Trust region.

"We have spoken to men who have not seen a doctor in over 20 years and have picked up significant health issues needing urgent referral. This project is so successful we are currently seeking funding to roll it out to other areas of Northern Ireland," she said.

"During the year the charity has also been at the forefront of the campaign to ban tobacco advertising and tobacco sales from vending machines and is currently lobbying the Assembly on banning smoking in cars."

Paying tribute to the staff, supporters and to the 300 volunteers who contributed more than 14,000 hours work, Mrs Foster said: "We are living in difficult times and charities are unfortunately not immune to the financial pressures many are living under. Indeed while many charities are reporting a fall in income, they are also reporting an increasing demand for the services we provide.

"Our main priority is ensuring that the front-line services we deliver across Northern Ireland are secure while making funds available to support any growth we undertake. We could not continue to do our vital, life saving work without the ongoing support of the local community."

(BMcC)