WOMEN have been invited to what could turn out to be one of the most important breakfasts of their lives.

Health experts have organised a unique event to raise awareness into breast cancer which kills two people every week in East Lancashire.

Breakfast for Breakthrough will take place at Accrington Town Hall on October 28, between 10am and 2pm, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Organisers are targeting the over 64s and the under 50s who are not included in the national breast screening programme.

The event is organised by CommuniCare's Health Promotion Unit and Age Concern and proceeds will go to the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Breast care nurses will be giving advice and information about the disease.

Ruth Loft, of Ryburn Avenue, Blackburn, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 44.

She said: "I owe my life to the breast care nurses who realised I had early breast cancer and sent me for a mammogram. "After that, I was treated at Accrington Victoria Hospital and the Christie Hospital, in Manchester. That was six years ago so I am indeed fortunate.

"My friend Eileen Howarth, who helped me with the charity, sadly died last year aged 49.

"We have tried to raise awareness of breast cancer without upsetting people. Ladies are still afraid of of presenting themselves for investigation and I believe that waiting for results is a bit of an ordeal for everyone, whatever the outcome. There is so much that can be done if a diagnosis is made early."

Ruth, the Blackburn contact for Breakthrough, has spent five years raising money for the charity which, nationally, is aiming to raise £15 million to build the UK's first breast cancer research centre.

Admission, including breakfast, is £1.50 and everybody, including men, is welcome. Anybody wanting to help can call Ruth on 01254 262324.

During the next month, Breakthrough and the charity Breast Cancer Care will urge people to wear a symbolic pink ribbon or make a donation to the Pink Ribbon Appeal.

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