Limerick lady who 'wasn't breast aware' at 41 is now educating tens of thousands of women

LIMERICK'S Juliette O’Connell has gone from not being breast aware to criss-crossing the country educating women in a unique workplace-focused health initiative.

The breast cancer survivor from Kilteely will travel to Fórsa workplaces across Ireland in a distinctive pink Breast Cancer Ireland branded car to deliver education and awareness sessions in person. It could transform early breast cancer detection rates.

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Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd, in partnership with Fórsa and Breast Cancer Ireland, have officially launched a two-year breast health awareness and education programme.

It  began on a trial basis in July 2025, and will now be rolled out to Fórsa workplaces nationwide in a phased regional approach. 

Juliette, a Breast Cancer Ireland’s outreach co-ordinator, will help provide tens of thousands of Fórsa members with complimentary practical, engaging presentations on breast health, and the importance of early detection, along with information on the eight signs and symptoms of breast cancer to be aware of.

Juliette was 41-years-old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

“There was no family history in my family, and I was a keen cyclist. For me at 41, I wasn’t breast aware. I didn’t know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer apart from a lump. For me, my symptom was a rash across my collar bone and onto my left breast.

“In June 2011, I noticed the rash, however it took me months before I had it checked out. When my son got sick in October, I took him to the doctor. As I was paying €50 for an appointment, my mentality was might as well get two seen for the price of one. 

“I showed the doctor the rash and she sent a letter to the breast care unit in Limerick to get it checked out.

“She wasn’t concerned, so I wasn’t either. I never thought for one minute that this could be breast cancer. I had no weight loss, no tiredness – I was fit, healthy and well, enjoying my cycling and training for different events.”

Juliette received an appointment for the Breast Care Unit in December and was put on a waiting list for a mammogram. She received the appointment and was told she had breast cancer on March 9, 2012.

“I went through treatment - surgery and radiotherapy. It was a tough time, but I’m incredibly grateful that I’m now ten years cancer free. I am now a member of the Breast Cancer Ireland family and working as one of their outreach co-ordinators. I love my job and I want to give this very important message to all.”

Fórsa members who wish to arrange a presentation can email forsa@bciresearch.ie