14th June 2021
Eligible* members of the Salary Protection Scheme based in Connacht, Munster, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan have until Friday, 18 June to book their ‘Pink & Blue Power’ breast/prostate health assessment and education programme appointment.
The INTO has partnered with Cornmarket on the programme, which is offered to eligible* members of the Salary Protection Scheme for INTO Members.
Invites are issued via post and eligible* members based in Connacht, Munster, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan should check their post to ensure they have received their invites. The 21 May deadline for members based in Leinster to book their appointments has passed.
(*Eligible members: Women aged 30-49 and Men aged 40-65)
What is Pink and Blue Power?
Pink and Blue Power is a pioneering, life-saving health assessment and education programme to promote awareness and provide information on the signs and symptoms of breast and prostate cancer.
- 1 in 9 women in Ireland will get breast cancer at some stage in their lives (Source: Breast Cancer Ireland, June 2020)
- 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with Prostate cancer during their lifetime (Source: Irish Cancer Society, January 2021)
The programme which gives access to clinical assessment with a GP and further investigations where required, aims to educate members and promote early detection.
Why is the programme limited to certain members?
Pink and Blue Power is not a screening programme, rather it is an assessment that reflects a point in time. The programme is devised in partnership with specialist clinicians who advise on the appropriate age range for this type of assessment. Whilst there is currently no national screening programme for prostate cancer, women become eligible for BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme from age 50.
Why Pink and Blue?
Coloured ribbons are widely used by cancer-awareness and support organisations. The pink ribbon has been adopted by organisations such as Breast Cancer Ireland to raise awareness of breast cancer, while the light-blue ribbon is internationally recognised as a symbol to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
More details on the programme
To find out more details, including links to an information guide and FAQ booklet, visit Cornmarket’s Pink & Blue Power Programme page or watch Cornmarket’s informational video.
This programme is brought to members by Cornmarket on behalf of the Scheme underwriter. The Salary Protection Scheme for INTO members is underwritten by Irish Life Assurance plc.
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.