Breast cancer survivor Fiona O’Flynn, from Clonskeagh, is supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and encouraging the public to host a Pink event to help fund vital breast cancer support services and life-changing breast cancer research projects.
Every year, around 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland.
Fiona O’Flynn from Dublin was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. She thought that her right breast was slightly bigger than her left breast and had denser tissue, but there was no lump.
She went to her GP who examined her and referred her to a Breast Clinic, where she received her diagnosis.
Speaking about her diagnosis, mother-of-three Fiona O’Flynn said: “I was shell shocked. You go for these checks, and you assume everything will be fine.
“I’d had cysts and lumpy tissue in the past, so I’d been through these checks before.
“But this time, it was real, it was actually happening. I felt like my number was up.
“I was very shocked on one hand and slightly resigned on the other, given the high incidence of breast cancer.
“I was sent for an MRI, and luckily the cancer was localised even though the lymph nodes were affected.”
Fiona’s treatment consisted of a right-side mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which ended in March 2021.
Her treatment was successful and she’s now doing well, with support from family and friends.
During her treatment, Fiona developed a passion for sea-swimming which continues to this day.
She also took up tennis after treatment, made new friends and exercised regularly.
Talking about how sea-swimming helped her to get through treatment for breast cancer, Fiona said: “All through my treatments, I went sea-swimming. I was lucky, I didn’t have a port, so I was able to swim. Some days, I’d go swimming and then go straight back home to bed. It meant that I could go out and leave my worries in the sea.
“And as for tennis, it’s well known for longevity. Exercise has been my best medicine.”
Fiona is sharing her story to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage people to support the Pink campaign to help people who, like her, who have been affected by breast cancer.
Fiona said: “I would encourage everyone to please get behind the Pink 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. You can donate or register your fundraising event at cancer.ie/pink”
Mary O’Kelly, Cancer Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, said: “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 date 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 Pink events 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, please visit: cancer.ie/pink