Breast cancer patients and survivors in the Limerick region are being invited to take part in two workshops this month.

The workshops will be run by researchers at Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for Software at the University of Limerick (UL). The two half-day workshops will be run on Saturday, February 8, and Saturday, February 22.

They will centre around a UL project known as BREASTech, which aims to increase physical activity levels in breast cancer patients via technology-enabled care.

"Breast cancer patients and survivors will explore their feelings and thoughts surrounding breast cancer, physical activity and technology through photography using a method called Photovoice. There are still places open in the workshop and anyone who is interested and available to come along can contact me," explained Dr Michelle Norris of Lero at UL.

The first workshop will begin with a talk by Dr Norris on the importance of exercise for breast cancer and how technology could help to increase exercise levels in breast cancer patients and survivors.

"The first workshop will conclude with an introduction to Nordic walking class led by Patricia Sutton, a qualified Nordic walking Instructor and lymphoedema therapist.

"Within the second workshop, attendees will assemble posters from photographs they have taken on their phones/cameras to be exhibited at the International Woman's Day Conference in the University of Limerick on March 6," Dr Norris said.

Participants will receive funding for travel costs, tea/coffee at break time, a light lunch and a piece of technology to support physical activity. Anyone interested in taking part can call Dr Norris on (061) 234 158 or email michelle.norris@lero.ie.