Help improve breast cancer services in Northern Ireland

What’s the project about? 

Breast Cancer Services in Northern Ireland have been under a lot of pressure for some time. 

So, the Department has started a project called ‘Reshaping Breast Services in Northern Ireland’. They’re looking at breast cancer services across Northern Ireland to see what can be changed to improve care for people affected by breast cancer.  

As part of this, they’re creating a group called the Breast Services Forum. This group will be made up of people affected by breast cancer and will make sure that any improvements made are shaped by people using breast services in Northern Ireland.  

Who’s organising it? 

Name of project lead: Cancer Projects Team  

Organisation: Department of Health Northern Ireland  

Email address: cancerstrategy@health-ni.gov.uk

Phone number: 02890 522 924

Who can take part? 

You can take part if you have experience of breast cancer services in Northern Ireland within the past 3 years. This includes:  

• People who have undergone a Breast Assessment and have not been diagnosed with breast cancer 
• People living with or beyond primary breast cancer (including DCIS, stage 1, 2 or 3 primary breast cancer, or a local or regional recurrence of primary breast cancer) 
• People living with secondary breast cancer
• People who are attending a family history clinic 

The Department of Health is also looking for people who are:

• Interested in improving healthcare  
• Are willing to share their views and experiences of breast cancer services 
• Can work well with others in a group 

Why do you want me to be involved?  

By joining the group, you’ll make sure that the improvements made to breast cancer services in Northern Ireland reflect the needs and priorities of people affected by breast cancer.  

You’ll be directly involved in making improvements, and be able to find out more about how those decisions are made.  

What will you ask me to do? 

The group will meet every 3 months for up to 2 hours. Most meetings will be in person in Belfast, but there will be an option to join online if needed. You’ll be asked to do some preparation work ahead of the meetings.  

As a group member, you’ll be given a full induction and any training you need. You’ll also be supported by a member of the department.  

Reasonable expenses will be paid.  

How do I get involved? 

To find out more about the Forum and the role, you can visit the website.  

To apply for the role, please complete the application form on the webpage. If you have any questions, or would like support completing the form you can contact the Cancer Projects Team at cancerstrategy@health-ni.gov.uk or call them on 02890522924.  

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted applicants will be invited to discuss the role further and ask any questions.  

Successful applicants will be informed by early October 2025 and the first in person meeting of the group will take place in mid-October 2025. 

When’s the deadline? 

10pm on Sunday 28 September 2025