Two and half thousand women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland every year.

Thousands of people will take to the Phoenix Park in Dublin to run, jog and walk in the sixth annual Great Pink Run today.

The aim of the event is to raise funds for the charity Breast Cancer Ireland which works on research and awareness programmes.

CEO of the charity Aisling Hurley says women are now more aware of the warning signs of the disease: “One in nine women will be affected in their lifetime which is staggering.

“We are seeing a lot more women being diagnosed annually and this is a result of the screening process that we have.

“Through the free breast checks that the Government provides people are being caught but it is also down to the awareness that we are trying to drive home especially among younger women.

“Younger women need to check themselves regularly.”