Our History

Dr George Edelstyn, an oncologist at Belvoir Park Hospital founded Action Cancer with the aim to fund pioneering research into chemotherapy and to support patients and their families during treatment.

Action Cancer House, 1 Marlborough Park, Belfast, was purchased to provide facilities for patients awaiting treatment at Belvoir Park and recovery facilities for chemotherapy patients who had to travel long distances.

Action Cancer began screening women for breast cancer – this was the first time screening was introduced in Northern Ireland. We also offered counselling for local people affected by cancer.

We provide breast screening to around 8,000 women every year in Action Cancer House and onboard the Big Bus. Supported by SuperValu and Centra, the Big Bus delivers early detection and health promotion services to 200 locations across Northern Ireland every year.    

We offer support and therapeutic services to anyone affected by cancer; patients, carers and family members. In addition to our early detection and support services, we also carry out health promotion activity with children, young people and adults in school, community and workplace settings, as well as offering over 3,000 health checks annually.