Action Cancer Marks International Women’s Day with 100 Free Breast Screenings

its4women Partnership Hits £300K Milestone in Life-Saving Fundraising

To mark International Women’s Day 2025, Action Cancer is urging women to prioritise their health by booking a free breast screening. In partnership with online car insurance company its4women, the charity has released 100 additional appointments, including 25 slots on Saturday, 8th March, at Action Cancer House in Belfast.

With the 2025 theme ‘Accelerate Action’, the charity is calling on women to take just five minutes to book a screening that could save their life.

A Cause Close to Ann Brown’s Heart

For long-time Action Cancer supporter Ann Brown, raising money for breast screening is more than just a fundraising effort – it’s personal.

"I held the first coffee morning back in 2007 when my sister and a few close friends were diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, it has grown year on year, and it’s brilliant that its4women has been matching our efforts every year since 2019."

In October 2024, Ann and her community raised an incredible £3,260 at their annual coffee morning in Portstewart Guide Hall for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

“This means that our 2024 donation will be doubled to £6,520 and in October 2025 we intend to smash a cumulative target of £50,000! 

“Breast screening is so vitally important. We all know someone who has been affected by this awful disease. I urge women of all ages to support this fundraising campaign and to spread the message to family and friends, particularly those in the 40-49 and 70+ age category. Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against breast cancer."

Breast Friends: How You Can Get Involved

The Breast Friends campaign is a simple way to support life-saving breast screenings while catching up with loved ones. Whether it’s a coffee morning, pamper day, or spring garden party, every pound raised is matched by its4women, doubling its impact.

"I urge women of all ages to support this fundraising campaign and to spread the message to family and friends, particularly those in the 40-49 and 70+ age categories. Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against breast cancer."

£300K Raised and Counting

Since 2019, the its4women partnership has raised a staggering £300,000, funding 2,725 mammograms. Given that Action Cancer detects six breast cancers per 1,000 screenings, this funding has likely led to the detection of at least 16 cancers – women who may not have accessed a mammogram otherwise.

New Technology, Greater Impact

In a major leap forward, Action Cancer has upgraded its mammography units with the latest Siemens B.Brilliant technology – the first of its kind in Ireland. These cutting-edge machines are now in use at Action Cancer House and on the Big Bus mobile screening unit (supported by SuperValu and Centra), which visits 200 locations annually.

Donna Kelly, Head of Action Cancer’s X-ray department, said: "As we always like to be ahead of the curve at Action Cancer, we are very proud to say that these are the first of these new systems to be installed on the island of Ireland. 

“After extensive medical testing both machines are now in use and helping to save lives through breast screening in Northern Ireland. 

“Now that we have these new units installed, we need ongoing support for the running costs to ensure we can continue to offer life-saving breast screenings to local women across Northern Ireland. This is why we are so grateful to local online car insurance company its4women for the match funding provided through the Breast Friends campaign.”

Speaking about the partnership Anna Kayes from its4women said: “With financial matching from its4women, we are thrilled that the Breast Friends campaign has now raised a phenomenal £300,000 since 2019 enabling 2,725 breast screenings to be provided to local women free of charge. 

“Given Action Cancer detects six cancers for every 1,000 appointments, money raised from the campaign will have led to the detection of at least sixteen cancers. These women would not have been accessing a mammogram through another channel which is why this breast screening service is so important. It is also worth recognising the reassurance provided to the remaining 2,709 women who received clear results.

 “Please support Action Cancer by hosting a fundraiser for International Women’s Day. Remember with Breast Friends, your donation goes twice as far!”

Book Your Free Screening Today

📅 Women aged 40-49 and 70+ can book a free screening at www.actioncancer.org or call 028 9080 3344.

💖 To order a Breast Friends fundraising pack, contact Lisa McClenaghan at 028 9080 3361 or email [email protected].