The University of Ulster has been awarded a grant for research into why so many women with learning disabilities fail to attend breast cancer screenings.

Dr Laurence Taggart and Dr Sonja McIlfatrick from the University’s School of Nursing, have been given a pilot grant worth almost £20,000 from leading UK research charity, Breast Cancer Campaign.

Dr Taggart said: “I am grateful to Breast Cancer Campaign for investing in this research and I hope to develop information that will encourage women with learning disabilities to attend breast screening. Research has shown that the earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the greater the chance of survival.”

More women with learning disabilities are now living to the age where they are at a much greater risk of developing breast cancer - over 50 years old. There is an increasing need for these women and their carers to be aware of breast screening.

However, the uptake of this service in this group is generally poor.

Arlene Wilkie, Director of Research and Policy at Breast Cancer Campaign, said: “Despite the unsteady economy, funding breast cancer research must remain a priority as more than 46,000 people are diagnosed with the disease in the UK each year and more than 12,500 will die.

“Research is already making a huge difference to the lives of those with breast cancer and we hope that by funding high quality, innovative projects such as Dr Taggart’s, we can ensure that all women who are entitled to breast screening actually attend their appointment, which could ultimately save their lives.”

Across the UK, 26 new projects, including the University of Ulster, benefited from a massive cash injection worth over £2.3 million from Breast Cancer Campaign.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter