One in nine women in Ireland will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

With more than 2,500 cases diagnosed each year, it’s the most common cancer in women in Ireland after skin cancer, but breast cancer can affect anyone – irrespective of age, lifestyle and gender.

In fact, approximately 16 men develop breast cancer each year in this country, so it’s important for everybody to be breast aware; early detection is the best defence.

Here are four excellent Cork events to check out during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 1st-31st, 2019.

1. Hit Kinsale for the Pink Ribbon Walk

A festival of hot pink wigs, feather boas and fun, the annual Kinsale Pink Ribbon Walk & Run takes place this Sunday, October 6th. This year’s 10km route starts and finishes in Kinsale town centre, with some of the most breathtaking coastal views along the way.

Pink Ribbon Walks have raised a whopping €1,454,335 in fundraising for Action Breast Cancer and the Irish Cancer Society to date.

You can collect your t-shirt and race number at the Check-In Desk in the Temperance Hall (Kinsale Town Centre) between 12pm and 6pm on Saturday, October 5th or between 10am and 11.50am on the morning of the walk, Sunday, October 6th .

Sponsorship monies and donations can be handed in at the Temperance Hall.

2. Buy a boob bag for CoppaFeel!

Need something to wear for your Pink Ribbon Walk? Accessorize is proudly supporting the breast cancer awareness charity, CoppaFeel! this month by donating €20,000 of the profits from their exclusive feel-good boutique collection of products.

The cute collection includes a zip-top wash bag, canvas tote, drawstring pouch and silk scarf, all emblazoned with a fun cheeky boob print.

3. POUND for Pink

If you haven’t tried it yet, POUND is an exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training
with yoga and pilates-inspired movements.

Using Ripstix®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, POUND transforms drumming into an incredibly effective work out designed for all fitness levels.

Now there’s an excellent excuse to give it a bash for an excellent cause; Pound with Aine is hosting a fundraising session in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Saturday, October 19th at 10am in Loreto Sports Hall, Fermoy.

The class starts at 10am and you can find further details here.

4. Find support 

“Breast Cancer patients under the age of 45 often feel isolated when they are diagnosed, and more especially in our cancer treatment units where they are very often the youngest on treatment.” says Professor Seamus O’Reilly.

Cork ARC’s Young Women with Breast Cancer Networking & Information Day (for women with breast cancer under the age of 45) was organised to reduce this isolation and fear.

The event takes place on Saturday, October 12th, 9am – 3.30pm at Cork ARC’s newly renovated centre on Sarsfield Road and offers a dedicated space for young women affected by breast cancer to meet with other women going through a similar experience as well as hear from clinical experts on topics such as advances in treatment, surgery, screening and reconstruction, genetics, fertility and sexuality. A panel of Breast Care Nurses will also join a question and answer session and there will be information stands on the day from suppliers relevant for breast cancer patients.

Entry is free but booking is essential through fiona@corkcancersupport.ie or 021 4276688.