Irish Cancer Society

"I thought this might be a great way to get involved and give back."

75-year-old Catherine O'Reilly from County Kerry shares her motivation for taking part in the Ring of Kerry ‘My Way Cycle’.

“I love cycling and the Ring of Kerry was always something I wanted to do. Like so many things, actually signing up was put on the long finger. I heard about the Ring of Kerry ‘My Way’ Challenge, where you could cycle the Ring of Kerry distance in your own time and from wherever suited you best.

“All the funds raised were towards the Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse service, I worked as a Night Nurse for many years, so I know how valued it is by so many families. I found it wonderful to be able to give each patient such individualised care.

“I also had my own experience with cancer. In 2019 I began experiencing repeated UTI infections and pains in my stomach and lower back. I was admitted to hospital and treated for an acute appendicitis, then 6 weeks later I had a colonoscopy , a polyp was found but it came back as benign.

“I got through this, then in 2021, I was dealing with bloating, an upset tummy and was losing weight. I decided I needed to go get myself fully checked out; I began with a blood test which showed a high level of CA125 in my blood.

“Further tests were conducted, and I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. They recommended chemotherapy, so I began treatment but had awful reactions, I couldn’t even finish the full treatment schedule.

“I then moved straight onto debulking surgery, to remove my omentum and ovaries. I had already had a hysterectomy at 45 due to fibroids.

“I had a PET scan after I had recovered which showed that my cancer had reacted incredibly well to the chemotherapy treatment. I felt like the chemo was so incredibly tough, but it seemed to have killed the cancer cells.

“I am so thankful to be able to take part in this fundraiser, I always feel the more active I am, the better. I still have my checkups every few months and need to watch my diet, but I am doing well.

“I am delighted to say I have raised € 3,375 for the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing service so far, something I am incredibly proud of.”

We will be in Macdonagh Shopping Centre, Kilkenny this week on Wednesday July 17th & Thursday July 18th 💛

No booking needed, just pop down and have a chat with one of our wonderful nurses! ✨

See you there 💛 👩‍⚕️

Maggie's world changed when her husband Pat was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

"He had to go for five weeks of radiotherapy in Derry, and an operation on December 31. I was allowed to see him off into surgery but then I couldn’t see him for two weeks" Maggie shares.

The surgery lasted nine hours, and while recovering, Pat contracted Covid-19, which prolonged his hospital stay. Despite the challenges, Maggie learned to care for his stoma with only 30 minutes of training - due to pandemic restrictions.

"Unfortunately, four or five months later, they discovered that Pat had cancer in his liver and lungs," Maggie recalls. Pat was understandably devastated to receive this news.

He continued treatment, but the cancer had spread to his bones, and his oncologists agreed to stop treatment and to manage his pain relief.

Maggie says, “He never shed a tear until after that meeting, when we went back out to the ward he broke down, and it was the first time I had seen him sob.”

Thanks to our community of supporters the Irish Cancer Society was a lifeline for them, providing crucial services like the Transport Service and funding for counseling.
“My counsellor was a lifeline,” Maggie explains, helping her navigate her emotions.

Maggie's heartfelt advice is poignant: "Spend time with your loved ones and don't wait to say things until later because you don’t know what the future holds."

Read their full story at https://brnw.ch/21wLh4h 💛

Stark new research, funded by the Irish Cancer Society and Irish Heart Foundation, reveals the devastating health impact climate change will have on Ireland. Increased temperatures will lead to higher hospital admissions, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children and those with chronic diseases. Climate change will also increase the incidence of cancers such as skin and lung cancer.

The Climate and Health Alliance is urging the Government to take bold measures to protect the nation’s health and the already stretched healthcare system. This includes delivering clean air for all, building sustainable communities with active travel, and creating a resilient, environmentally sustainable healthcare sector.

Averil Power, CEO, Irish Cancer Society said:
“We need to see bold action from the government to prevent the very serious impact climate change will have on healthcare in Ireland in the coming years. Issues like rising temperatures and air pollution have a very real impact on people’s health and can cause an array of health issues, including cancer. This report also shows how our healthcare system is vulnerable to the harshest impacts of climate change. We’ve highlighted time and time again the many issues that already exist due to an overburdened and under- resourced health system.”

From peer support to travel, and everything in between our Freephone Support Line is here for all your questions!

Staffed by our wonderfully compassionate cancer nurses nothing is too big or too small, we are always ready to listen and provide support, guidance, and advice.

Reach out on Freephone 1800 200 700 (9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday)
Or drop us an email anytime at: [email protected]

You're not alone, reach out today. Please share these resources with anyone you think may need them! 💛

📅 Mark your calendars for August 12th! It's Hurling For Cancer Research at Netwatch Cullen Park.

Watch GAA legends battle it out in an evening of hurling you won't forget! Get your tickets and help fund vital cancer research! Tickets available at: https://brnw.ch/21wLaQp 🎟️🙌

Couldn't make the Ring of Kerry charity cycle? You can still take on the distance and cycle for a cause without leaving your town! 🌟 Join our 170km MyWay Charity Cycle challenge!

Complete the distance in your local area over a day, week, or month whatever works best for you! You'll not only be getting out in the fresh air for some exercise, you'll also be supporting the crucial supports and services we provide for everyone affected by cancer in Ireland. 💛

Register today at: https://brnw.ch/21wLa8c! 🚴‍♂️

Vanessa Clarke never expected what looked like a blister behind her knee could turn out to be cancer.

“It was very unassuming, it didn’t look like anything major but one of my parents’ friends had passed away a few weeks earlier from melanoma, so I decided to get it checked out,” says Vanessa who was 26 at the time.
Vanessa was referred to a dermatologist, and had surgery some weeks later, after which she was told she had Stage 3 Nodular Melanoma.

Further removal of nodes behind her knee revealed that they were also cancerous, and that the cancer had also spread to the lymph nodes in her groin.

“That was a shock, even to my surgeon, as he had only taken out the lymph nodes in my groin as a precaution. But, as he explained, melanomas can be aggressive and unpredictable, and you don’t know how they’re going to behave,” she says.

Vanessa was also diagnosed with lymphoedema in her right leg, because of having her lymph nodes removed.

“I remember the Irish Cancer Society was very supportive and encouraging for me to use their services- they were fantastic at the time,” she says.

Because Vanessa had several allergies and asthma, she wasn't suitable for the typical Immunotherapy treatment that was offered at the time. Instead, she travelled to the UK to receive BCG injections in a clinic in London.

Vanessa was closely monitored over the next five years to see if the cancer returned.

“Luckily, it didn’t, and it still hasn’t. I'm sharing my story to raise awareness of melanoma among young people. I think a lot of people think skin cancer is very treatable. If it ever comes up that I had skin cancer, people sometimes think that’s not so bad, is it? That’s the kind of attitude I've come across a lot and it’s concerning that people don’t always appreciate how deadly it can be.”

Today, Vanessa is in good health and the mother of two wonderful boys. Her advice to anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis is to "take things one day at a time."

Visit the link in our Bio to and learn about the Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer

"You become part of a very driven group of people, who want to give back to society."💜

67-year-old Marcella Howard from Suncroft, County Kildare says being a part of the Irish Cancer Society Relay For Life is one of the most rewarding things she’s done in her lifetime.

“In 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 51. Later on, I ended up testing positive for the BRCA gene, and my sister received her own breast cancer diagnosis two years ago. So, cancer has very much impacted my life.

“With my sister’s diagnosis, seeing how the services and supports have expanded and improved, even since my own diagnosis, is really incredible. The funds raised really make a difference.

“I attended the very first Relay for Life in Kildare years ago, since then I have been going each and every year. We now have our own team, called the ‘Dream Believers’. The support I have received from friends and family as part of my involvement with the ‘Dream Believers’ has been nothing short of amazing.

“It was such an honour to be part of this incredible group of fellow cancer survivors and I find the opening lap for survivors incredibly special. I also feel the Candle of Hope ceremony is particularly moving.”

“I would encourage anyone considering getting involved in the Irish Cancer Society Relay For Life, to just go for it! You become part of a very driven group of people, who want to give back to society. They are thankful for surviving their disease or thankful for they support received when they had a loved one sick. It’s a decision you will never regret and will offer you so many rewards.”

Relay For Life Kildare kicks off this weekend, the 6th of July at The Curragh, Newbridge. For more information, visit 👉https://www.relayforlife.ie/event/kildare/home

🌟 Don't miss the hurling event of the summer! Catch your favorite players in action at Hurling For Cancer Research on August 12th.

Enjoy an epic evening of matches all in support of crucial cancer research. Tickets are selling fast - get yours at idonate.ie/hurlingforcancerresearch today! 🎟️💛

“Its stressful. Between travelling and the cost of everything, its just not something patients should have to worry about on top of everything else.”

Lung cancer patient Samantha Vaughan from Co. Laois, shares her experience managing the cost of cancer.

“I travel by car from my home in Laois to hospital in Cork. I also attend pain management in a separate Cork hospital.

“I travel at least once every four weeks to receive targeted treatment, but then there's also blood tests and scans. Between these appointments, I then also have to go to the other appointments for pain management.

“Going back and forth to the hospitals in Cork, is about €40-50 for diesel each time. On top of this, I pay the toll going there and back also.

“Once I get to the hospitals, car parking can range from €8, up to €24. This depends on how long my appointments take."

“It probably costs me about €150 per month to park the car to get treatments”

“It can be extremely hard financially, especially when you can't work due to illness. I still haven't been signed off to go back to work, so I am not receiving a salary.

Our Budget 2025 Submission is urging Government to address the cost of cancer for patients.

Read the submission here👉https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/cancer-advocacy/prebudget-submission-2025

We will be in Dungarvan Shopping Centre this week on Wednesday July 3rd & Thursday July 4th 💛

Pop down and have a chat with one of our nurses - no booking is required, just walk in! ✨

See you there 💛 👩‍⚕️

What a day we had! A massive thank you to everyone who participated in Colour Dash 2024 today in the Phoenix Park ✨🎉

You brought your energy, enthusiasm and smiles with you, which made for an unforgettable colour-soaked event! 🌈🏃‍♀️

You have helped raise vital funds so that we can continue provide free services and support to children and young adults affected by cancer 💛

For anyone who could not attend, if you would still like to make a donation, visit www.cancer.ie 🔗

Hurling for Cancer Research is back, get ready for a thrilling showdown of top-tier hurling action!

📅 Date: August 12th
📍 Location: Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow

Grab your tickets now and be part of the excitement, all while raising crucial funds for free cancer support services across the country!

🎟️ tickets at: idonate.ie/event/hurlingforcancerresearch

📖UCD researchers are recruiting adults in Ireland with high hereditary cancer risk for an online study aiming to improve psychosocial knowledge and support for those with an increased risk.

To take part in the survey, visit 👉 https://ucdpsychology.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6RRoM0gaZ2Fcxro

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact PhD researcher, Elaine Lowry, on: [email protected]

The study is in-depth and covers many areas of a person’s life to help gain a full picture of their needs. As a result some topics covered in this assessment may be distressing, including some questions about childhood trauma. If you need to speak with someone, please contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on 1800 200 700 or on [email protected]

🌈 We’re ONE WEEK away from Colour Dash 2024! 🎉

Grab your friends, family, and anyone who loves a good time and get ready to dash into a world of colour - all while supporting a fantastic cause. Every step you take helps fund our vital Children, Adolescent, and Young Adult (CAYA) services.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this incredible day! Sign up now for a day of laughter, fun, and community spirit that you won’t forget. 🎨✨

Whether you’re running, walking, or dancing, there’s still time to join us! Let's make this Colour Dash the best one yet: cancer.ie/colourdash
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