Fórsa are teaming up with Cornmarket , for the second time, to roll out a potentially life-saving breast and prostate health assessment and education programme to thousands of members of the Fórsa Salary Protection Scheme.

The Pink and Blue Power programme aims to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of common cancers and provide members with vital education and the opportunity for a once-off clinical physical exam. 

All-Ireland winners, Dublin GAA players Leah Caffrey and James McCarthy, joined us in Fórsa HQ to celebrate the launch.

The last programme back in 2019 was a huge success. It was launched in response to a high level of cancer claims in the scheme, and acknowledging that 1 in 9 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, while 1 in 7 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The initial GP appointment only takes 15 minutes and includes:

• A clinical physical breast/prostate examination
• Education on signs and symptoms of breast/prostate cancer
• How to perform a breast exam (for women)
• PSA Blood test for men (to measure Prostate Specific Antigen)
• Personal report with clinical findings.

If further investigation is required, members are referred to a participating private clinic in Dublin, Cork or Galway for a consultation, scanning and a biopsy, if necessary.

Fórsa President Michael Smyth welcomed the initiative and encouraged all members to sign up for the scheme:

“Health is something we must not take for granted. The programme gives our members easy access to screenings, and we cannot underestimate the importance they may have in someone’s life. During the last programme, hundreds of participants were sent for further tests, and 5 Fórsa members were diagnosed with cancer. Their outlook was improved thanks to the programme.

“It was a pleasure to welcome both Leah Caffrey and James McCarthy to Fórsa and I’d like to applaud them for getting behind the campaign. Everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or another and we must continue to advocate for early diagnosis through programmes like this.”

 For more information, you can visit cornmarket.ie/pink-blue-power/

Pink & Blue Power is a benefit of the Fórsa Salary Protection Scheme. Not a member of the Scheme yet? Visit cornmarket.ie/forsa for more on benefits and how to apply.

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