Young women with breast cancer have been invited to a conference at which they will learn about the latest treatments and can discuss the psychological effects of a diagnosis with professionals and other women.
Action Breast Cancer said it is aiming the event at women under 45 years of age with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Speakers will include surgeons, oncologists, oncology nurses, psychologists and other specialists who treat young women with breast cancer. Partners are also welcome to attend.
Abby Langtry, project leader at Action Breast Cancer, said: "When a woman hears she has breast cancer, the words can be life-altering but especially so in the case of a younger woman because the issues that she faces are fundamentally different in comparison to older women who may be postmenopausal.
"One of our key objectives with the hosting of this specially designed conference and with our ongoing support programme for younger women is to highlight to these women that they are not alone. We are here to assist younger women through their breast cancer journey and will provide the latest medical information, psychosocial support and practical help," she said.
The latest available figures show there were 2,020 new cases of breast cancer in 2001, of which 288 (14 per cent) were under 45. Women living in Ireland have a one in 12 chance of developing the disease in their lifetime.
The conference takes place in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, on Saturday 11th February from 9.30am to 4pm.
Further information is available from Action Breast Cancer at 1800-309040.