Limerick breast cancer survivor calls on public to support Irish Cancer Society’s Big Pink Breakfast

BREAST cancer patient and Limerick native Catherine Kiely is supporting the Irish Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and encouraging the public to host a Big Pink Breakfast to help fund vital breast cancer support services and research projects.

Catherine (53) was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in March 2020 after she discovered a lump. She underwent a lumpectomy, eight sessions of chemotherapy and 23 sessions of radiotherapy. Catherine is encouraging people not to ignore any signs or symptoms and to get any persistent changes checked out as soon as possible.

She says: “I would encourage everyone to please get behind the Big Pink Breakfast campaign, a huge amount of the funding for the Irish Cancer Society’s breast cancer support services and breast cancer research projects comes from donations made by the public. If you are at all able, please support this important cause.”

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Cancer Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, Carol Spillane, adds: “Self-examination is so important for women of all ages, even those who are eligible for screening, as this only takes place every two years. Pick a day and try to do it as consistently as you can on a monthly basis. It’s really important that we are breast aware and know what is normal for us.

"If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of breast cancer and the change persists, please go to see your GP as soon as possible. Women can sometimes feel embarrassed or uncomfortable attending their GP with breast issues, but this examination could save your life. Your GP will perform a routine examination of your breast and if appropriate, refer you for further assessment."

If you are concerned about breast cancer, call the Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700. You can also find out more at www.cancer.ie.

This October the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging people to host a Big Pink Breakfast in their homes, workplaces, communities and colleges to raise funds to support breast cancer support services such as free counselling, transport to treatment, Night Nursing and much more. Funds raised will also be used to fund ground-breaking breast cancer research projects.

To learn more or get involved, visit: cancer.ie/pink