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University of Limerick has teamed up with Cornmarket to roll out a potentially life-saving breast and prostate health assessment and education campaign to eligible members of the Income Continuance Plan, Additional Life Cover and Additional Voluntary Contributions Schemes for University of Limerick Employees.
The Pink Power and Blue Power campaign will launch at the end of March 2022. The campaign is in response to a high level of cancer claims in the Income Continuance Plan for University of Limerick Employees, and in recognition that 1 in 9 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, while 1 in 7 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life**.
The aim is to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of these common cancers and provide members with vital education and the opportunity for a once-off clinical physical assessment. Following clinical advice, the programme will invite specific age groups to participate (women aged 30 – 49 and men aged 40 – 65)*. The programme is endorsed by Breast Cancer Ireland and designed and led by a team of Consultant Surgeons and Radiologists from participating Bon Secours Hospitals and Beaumont Private Clinic.
How it works
An invite will be sent by Cornmarket with a unique booking code and a deadline to book. Employees then log on to the secure booking site (managed by Full Health Medical) where they can select an appointment from a list of participating doctors.
The initial appointment only takes 15 minutes and covers:
- A clinical physical breast/prostate examination
- Education on signs and symptoms of breast/prostate cancer
- How to perform a breast exam (for women)
- A PSA blood test for men (to measure Prostate-Specific Antigen)
- Personal report with clinical findings.
If further investigation is required, employees will be referred to a participating private hospital in Galway, Cork or Dublin, for a consultation, imaging and, in a small cohort, a biopsy, if necessary. To date, over 16,000 have participated in the programme. Participants said***:
“I had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. It was a very positive experience that alleviated my concerns and gave me confidence and skills to do self-breast checks.”
“I probably would not have gone myself. Being male, I thought ‘I will do it sometime’ and just kept putting it off.”
“Highly recommended, the Doctor was very nice and extremely thorough, and explained the process in depth of how to complete self-checks.”
“Found the people involved very professional and caring.”
Being vigilant makes a difference. Pink & Blue Power can help save lives so if you get an invitation, we strongly encourage you to book. The programme is 100% confidential in line with GDPR rules. If you participate, your medical information will not be shared with anyone, except the necessary medical professionals participating in the programme.
For more information, please read the FAQ booklet attached or visit cornmarket.ie/pink-blue-power/
Important: While some participants are diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer through the programme, it is not a screening programme. The assessment provided only reflects a point in time. No test or exam will pick up every case of breast or prostate cancer. If you have signs and/or symptoms that are concerning, now or in the future, please consult with your own GP without delay. Please read the programme guide/FAQ booklet on cornmarket.ie/pink-blue-power/ before you book.
*BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, is available to women over age 50. Pink Power is not a screening programme. **Statistics sourced from Breast Cancer Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society, January ‘22. ***Source: Cornmarket, Pink & Blue Power Survey 2019/2020. Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is a member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group of companies. This programme is facilitated by Cornmarket on behalf of the Plan underwriter. The Income Continuance Plan for University of Limerick Employees is underwritten by Utmost Corporate Solutions, a brand name used by Utmost PanEurope dac. Utmost PanEurope dac is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
