Spar Ireland and Eurospar have joined forces with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) to launch a public awareness campaign entitled ‘Breast Before Dates.’
The campaign aims to highlight the importance of regular check-ups and self-examination for breast cancer.
Every year, around 3,587 women and 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland, according to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland.
It is the most common invasive cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women.
Currently, one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, though the NBCRI, which funds a comprehensive research programme at the University of Galway, aims to help improve the diagnosis, treatment options and outcomes for those with the disease.
Supported by podcaster and breast cancer survivor Georgie Crawford, Spar and Eurospar’s nationwide network of retailers are getting behind the campaign by adding eye-catching and provocative labels in store that include a QR code with a link to set a reminder on mobile phones for a regular self-check.
Windows posters and digital animations will also raise awareness.
Spar and Eurospar announced their partnership with NBCRI in 2024 and have been raising funds and awareness for the charity through a series of fundraising activities and a donation on select Spar own brand products.
To date, Spar and Eurospar retailer have donated €430,187 to the charity.
‘Fantastic Support’
Commenting on the campaign, research director at the NCBRI Professor Michael Kerin said, “One in seven women in Ireland will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes, and 30 men are diagnosed with this disease every year.
“Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and monthly self-examination are among the healthiest habits we can all adopt.
“NBCRI are hugely grateful to Spar and Eurospar retailer across Ireland for their incredible continued commitment to our research programme since the beginning of our partnership, and we sincerely thank them for their fantastic support of this awareness campaign.”
The chief marketing and communications officer with BWG Foods Suzanne Weldon added, “We’re all very aware of the importance of Best Before dates on our food products.
“Having a Breast Before date included to remind shoppers to set regular reminders to self-check for any abnormalities is an important call-to-action for everyone who visits their local Spar and Eurospar.”
In addition to the practical elements of the campaign, the retailers and NBCRI hope that Breast Before encourages conversation about this important topic.
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