Carlow breast cancer survivor backs Big Pink Breakfast event

Breast cancer patient Alicia Lynch from Carlow 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 life-changing breast cancer research projects.

Alicia Lynch (39) from Old Leighlin was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, at the age of 32. Alicia had discovered a lump in her breast and an unusual hardness in her arm-pit area, following an evening run. She went to her GP to get checked out and was referred on for a triple-assessment, which resulted in a diagnosis of Her2+ breast cancer. Alicia’s treatment plan included chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Alicia was later given the all-clear but unfortunately, years later, her cancer returned.

Alicia says: “In 2021 my cancer had returned and spread to my lung and thyroid.

“I was totally floored hearing the news. I had a one year old daughter at home, as well as two six-year-old twins. Straight away, I began more treatment. It worked well for about a year but by summertime the following year, it stopped being effective, and my cancer began to spread again.

“At this point, I was approached about a clinical trial in a hospital in Dublin. I met the criteria needed to take part in the trial. The drug I was on worked wonders, my cancer saw a 50% reduction after the first dose. It’s a grueling treatment, but I am happy to say I am currently living well with my cancer.

"I would encourage everyone to please get behind and support the Irish Cancer Society’s Big Pink Breakfast campaign, none of these cancer supports and research projects would be available without the generous donations of the Irish public.”

The Irish Cancer Society has invested millions of euro into clinical trials since 2012. Clinical trials offer hope for a better future for patients by bringing amazing progress in medical treatments. The Irish Cancer Society is proud to further their commitment to Cancer Trials Ireland by providing €3 million of further funding over the next three years. This funding will help bring and start more trials right here in Ireland.

Caroline O’Sullivan, Cancer Nurse at the Irish Cancer Society said: “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Ireland. Over 3,400 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with it each year. It is vital therefore that everyone be ‘breast aware’. Thankfully most breast cancers are diagnosed at an earlier stage. The earlier you are diagnosed, the more treatment options are available to you, including surgery, radiotherapy, and drug therapies.

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 chemotherapy, 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: https://www.cancer.ie/PinkBreakfast