More than 100 women given help by breast cancer support group

21 March 2018

NORTHERN Ireland’s first breast cancer support group has been helping women in Downpatrick for over 30 years.

Dozens of women have enjoyed the camaraderie of the Breast Cancer Support Group since it was established by three local nurses in the mid-1980s.

More than 100 women have since enjoyed support from the group, which was launched by Nursing Sister Anna Cullen after she was struck by the growing number of breast cancer patients in her care when working at the Downe Hospital in the 1980s.

Mrs Cullen realised the need for post-operative support when more than 18 newly diagnosed women were treated on the surgical ward within just a couple of months.

Also working in outpatients, where breast cancer patients received radiotherapy treatment at that time, she noticed the women congregating in the waiting area to share stories and offer moral support.

Mrs Cullen contacted Cancer Focus, which was then the Ulster Cancer Foundation, to suggest formalising that support, leading to the launch of the local group in 1987.

“We noticed women were getting that informal support among themselves,” she said.

“Breast cancer surgery was done in the Downe Hospital at that time and during their follow-up appointments they would congregate together to chat. You could see the benefit they gained.”

Mrs Cullen was joined by her friends and nursing colleagues, Marilyn Prior and Anne Ritchie, and together they continue to facilitate regular sessions of makeup demonstrations, flower arranging, craft workshops, presentations and conversations.

The three retired nurses welcomed women to a “fun and therapeutic” upscaling workshop hosted by local businesswoman Phyllis Annett, from the Craft Loft in Newcastle.

Mrs Annett, who introduced the group to chalk painting techniques, decoupage and glasswork, said she immediately agreed to attend the session when invited.

“I never refuse cancer group invitations because it is close to my heart,” she said.

“My mum had cancer as did my brother at just 28 and I have a close friend who has been battling breast cancer for seven years. It really hits home when it comes to your family.

“Coming to groups like this is my way of trying to give back. I have done workshops in Daisy Lodge for families as craft work is therapeutic for all ages.”

Among those enjoying Mrs Annett’s demonstration and a first timer at the group was Kilmore woman Anne Rodgers, who was diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago.

Anne, who is 71, said she was so relieved to have finished her cancer treatment that she did not initially reply to invitations to attend the support group.

But with the encouragement of a friend who has been attending for more than 13 years, she decided to come along.

“I had received invitations but my reaction to being diagnosed was to go travelling as much as possible,” she said.

“I felt I should be grateful that I did not get breast cancer when I was younger and had nothing to complain about.

“My mum died from breast cancer in 1995 and I know so many other people who have been diagnosed.

“But as time has passed, I thought it might be nice to get support at a group like this and talk to other people who have been down the road ahead of me. It is nice to get some tips and not feel alone.”

Mrs Ritchie said there was often a lot of laughter at the sessions where women often speak of the reassurance they feel mixing with others who have had similar experiences.

“A woman once told me that this is the only place she can come and talk about cancer or even use the word cancer because she did not want to worry her family by mentioning it at home,” she said.

The local group will soon launch a new professional bra-fitting service for women requiring surgery after four members of the local group were trained by Cancer Focus.

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