Breast Cancer affects one in nine women and that is why the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team want to help raise awareness.

For the second year in a row, the WNT squad have linked up with Breast Cancer Ireland to encourage more women to be aware of breast cancer as 30 per cent of those between the ages of 20-50 will be diagnosed with it.

Ahead of Thursday's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier against Sweden, the Ireland players & backroom staff will raise awareness by wearing Breast Cancer Ireland face-masks, which can be purchased here to support funding for further research.

Katie McCabe, Ireland WNT captain, said: “As much as we are focusing on starting our World Cup qualifying campaign in the best possible way, the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team feel it is our duty to promote awareness in breast cancer.

"We are fully aware of our responsibility as role models for young women and this is something that directly affects them, as well as ourselves, so we need to be educated about it and know how to tackle breast cancer.

"There is fantastic work being done on the research side of things and we need to get behind that, to do what we can to ensure women from the age of 20 upwards download the Breast Aware app and learn about the eight signs and symptoms."

Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team for a second year during this Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“Women supporting and empowering others to be more breast aware is critical if we are going to change the landscape of this disease into the future. Knowing what is normal today, should an abnormality arise is important in ensuring a more positive treatment outcome.”

For more information, visit www.breastcancerireland.com

About Breast Cancer Ireland
Breast Cancer Ireland is a registered charity established to raise funds in support of pioneering research and to provide education and awareness on the importance of good breast health for women of all ages nationally.

The overall aim is, through research, to transform breast cancer from often being a fatal disease, with over 690 deaths annually, to treatable illness that can be managed long-term.

There are 3,100 new cases diagnosed annually and 30% of those are in women between the ages of 20-50 years. With 1 in 9 women being diagnosed in their lifetime, its important that women understand the signs and symptoms to look out for and currently we are funding a complimentary service nationwide where Outreach Coordinators visit schools, community groups and companies to educate women on the importance of good breast health.

We have developed a free to download App called Breast Aware, that offers a discreet monthly reminder to your phone, a simulated video guide on how to perform a self breast examination properly and an outline of the 8 signs and symptoms to look out for...our motto is #awarenesssaveslives

We have made lots of advances in the research arena evidenced in our survival rates improving to 85%; our mortality rates reduce 2% annually and to day every patient diagnosed receives their own personalised and tailored treatment plan because no longer is it effective that only one treatment fits all.

With this more personalised approach we are seeing 50% less patients requiring chemotherapy as their standard treatment of care instead we are seeing more innovative combined drug therapies that are far more effective with much less side effects.

We have much done but still a lot more to do!

Republic of Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Grace Moloney (Reading), Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Eve Badana (DLR Waves), Amanda Budden (Shelbourne)
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Diane Caldwell (North Carolina Courage), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Éabha O'Mahony (Boston College), Áine O'Gorman (Peamount United)
Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Niamh Farrelly (Glasgow City), Ciara Grant (Shelbourne), Aoibheann Clancy (Wexford Youths), Jessica Ziu (Shelbourne), Roma McLaughlin (Central Connecticut State University), Katie McCabe (Arsenal)
Forwards: Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Rianna Jarrett (London City Lionesses), Heather Payne (Florida State University), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Saoirse Noonan (Shelbourne), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)

2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier - Group A
Republic of Ireland v Sweden
Thursday, October 21
Tallaght Stadium
KO 19:00
LIVE on RTÉ2

2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier - Group A
Finland v Republic of Ireland
Tuesday, October 26
Olympic Stadium, Helsinki
KO 18:15 (16:15 Irish Time)
LIVE on RTÉ2