Skies above Northern Ireland to shine a light on Secondary Breast Cancer
10 local venues will light up pink, purple and teal tonight
Last updated 13th Oct 2023
Northern Ireland will join a nationwide spectacle this evening to mark Secondary Breast Cancer Day.
More than 50 iconic sites across the United Kingdom are set to dazzle in pink, purple and teal this evening to symbolise the visible and hidden aspects of living with Secondary Breast Cancer.
Local charity, Make 2nds Count has confirmed that Alley Theatre, Antrim Civic Centre, Mossley Mill, Ballyclare Town Hall, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Belfast City Hall, Derry City Council Offices, Queens University, Enniskillen Castle and Strule Arts Centre will be joining the campaign .
These venues will join many others across the UK and shine brightly in the charity's colours, pink, purple and teal, as part of a campaign designed to “Shine a Light” on Secondary Breast Cancer Day.
The charity’s latest survey of over 100 patients found that many struggled to find information and support following diagnosis and that there was no regular discussion of the side effects of treatment and immense impact on quality of life.
Almost two-thirds of those surveyed (62%) did not find it easy to access information and support, and the vast majority (95%) said there is a need for more informed support to help patients and their families deal with the repercussions of such a life-changing diagnosis.
Nearly seven out of 10 (69%) respondents also revealed that the side effects of treatment had an even greater impact on their quality of life than they had expected.
As a result, a huge part of this year’s Shine a Light campaign revolves around the Make 2nds Count patient community and includes a striking collection of photos, Truth be Told, which showcases the visible and hidden aspects of living with secondary breast cancer.
The images, shot by photographer Jennifer Willis from Northern Ireland, aim to shine a light on both sides of daily life – the challenges and the hope, strength and positivity.
It’s estimated that 61,000 people in the UK are currently living with metastatic breast cancer, also known as secondary or advanced breast cancer, a form of the disease that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.
It claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK – an average of 31 deaths every day.
The Truth Be Told campaign coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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