Irish Cancer Society

Our community is at the heart of everything we do and together our passion to create a future where nobody dies from cancer is absolute. To achieve this mission, quite simply, #WeWontStop. We won't stop researching better treatments. We won't stop advocating for the needs of cancer patients across the country. We won't stop listening and giving advice to everyone who needs us. We won’t stop showing up when you need us. For support and more visit cancer.ie

Why is checking your breasts so important? 🤔 Knowing what's normal for you means you can spot any changes, and early detection saves lives! 💖 #DoYouCheck? Take a few minutes each month to get to know with what’s normal for your breasts. It’s a small step with a big impact! 🌟 Share this with your friends and remind them to do the same! 💕 Learn more at cancer.ie/breast

Have you signed up to host a Big Pink Breakfast yet? We're calling on people across the country to come together in support of breast cancer patients and their families across Ireland 💛 Your breakfast can range from a coffee morning with friends to an all-out brunch spread - it's totally up to you! ✨ And to help with some inspiration, everyone who signs up will receive an exclusive recipe e-booklet packed with recipes from some of Ireland's most beloved chefs! 👨🍳 Don't miss out, register today and do the Big Pink Breakfast your way! cancer.ie/pink 💕☕

“When I got the first bit of news, I kind of took it in my stride. But, after the second bit of news, I feel like it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions ever since.” Mags Nolan from Tallaght was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer at aged 50. To mark Global Lobular Breast Cancer Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the mum of one is sharing her story: During a routine CT scan for her haemochromatosis, a condition where iron levels in the body build up slowly, Mags' consultant spotted something in her breast and referred her for further assessment. Following her triple assessment, Mags was told she had stage 1 cancer in her left breast. However, a month later, following further tests, she was told she had lobular breast cancer in both breasts. “In the first set of circumstances, I would have required a lumpectomy, some radiotherapy and all could have been done within six weeks and I could get on with my life. When I heard that news, I was actually more upset about the fact I’d have to come off my HRT and get my coil out. But then the circumstances changed. With the second diagnosis, my treatment would be more intense. These are the twists and turns of a cancer diagnosis. "One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from my GP who said, ‘get a little notebook and write down any questions or anything that is niggling at you.’ So, for every appointment, I would have my notebook and pen. I asked my questions, got my answers and we would make decisions about the treatment pathway together. Doctors were fearful of my risks of reoccurrence. I could have gone for a mastectomy and then a lumpectomy in the other breast, or a double mastectomy. I think there and then with my husband in that consultation room we were firm in what we wanted – I was going for the double mastectomy.” After her double mastectomy, Mags underwent breast reconstruction surgery and after initial misapprehension says "it was the best thing that could have happened". "I’d encourage anybody of any age to know how to check yourself, and if you have a lump, you need to go to a doctor and get it checked out." Read her story in full here: https://brnw.ch/21wNMbp

Stop scrolling and share this! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but checking your breasts should be part of your routine all year long. Set a reminder to check yourself every month. It's quick, simple and so important to know what's normal for you! Early detection can save lives, so let's spread the word. Don't forget to share this with your friends to encourage them to do the same! Visit cancer.ie/breast to learn more 💛

We will be in Laois Shopping Centre, Portlaoise this week on Wednesday October 16th & Thursday October 17th 💛 No booking needed, just pop down and have a chat with one of our wonderful nurses! ✨ See you there 💛 #YourHealthMatters 👩⚕️

“‘It’s treatable, but not curable’. I think you would have to be superhuman not be knocked by that – I was devastated.” In 2017, 13 years after her first breast cancer diagnosis, Margaret Molumby from Tipperary was told her cancer had spread to her spine and sternum. To Mark Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13, she shared her story and wants people to know "life is there to live to the fullest, even with cancer.” “20 years ago now, in March 2004, I found a lump in the shower and I went the GP straight away. I got a referral to go to Waterford Regional and I was seen to on the 3rd of April and by the 11th of May, I was in for my mastectomy – I kept a diary at the time, that’s why I have all the dates to hand.” Following her surgery, Margaret went on to have six rounds of chemotherapy followed by 20 radiotherapy sessions. During her first diagnosis, Margaret was approached by her local cancer support centre in Thurles. “Everything you needed was there to help you along with your cancer experience. It was through the centre where I met other people going through breast cancer, and all other types of cancer." Read Margaret's story in full at: https://brnw.ch/21wNJXW

Hazel Graham has worked as an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse for the last 18 years, and takes great pride in her work and the impact it has on patients and their families. "I know 'privileged' and 'an honour' are words used regularly when we mention our work, but it is that. Being able to look after patients in their own homes, and supporting their families in carrying out that wish for a person at the end of their life, is so vital for all. We are there for the family as much as for the patient. "One family said to me a few years ago after I cared for their mum, that the subtle way I prepared them for what was going to happen helped them. We are on that journey with each patient and their family for a short time, but how we do our work can leave a great impact." Hazel, who is from Kilkenny, is sharing her story to mark World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. "'Palliative' comes from the Latin word 'palliare' which means 'to cloak'," said Hazel. "Therein gives a clue about our role in palliative care. I think of it as providing an extra layer of comfort and protection for those patients and their families at a difficult time in their lives." #whpcd

Want to make a difference this October? Sign up to host a Big Pink Breakfast anytime throughout the month and help support breast cancer patients and their families across Ireland 💛 By hosting your own breakfast, or coffee morning, you'll be raising vital funds that directly fuel our essential cancer supports and services. Let’s show those affected by breast cancer that we’re here for them! 🎗️ It's easy, it's fun, and it’s all for an important cause! 🥞☕ Sign up today and start planning! 👉 cancer.ie/pink

The Irish Cancer Society is thrilled to be hosting an all-day workshop and networking event, as part of the National PPI Ignite Festival. ‘Celebrating Patient Partnership in the Cancer Centres through Connection and Collaboration’ has brought together representatives from across the country and the energy is fantastic! St James's Hospital Dublin Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)