Irish Singer Klara McDonnell Triumphs Over Breast Cancer Battle

Irish singer and songwriter Klara McDonnell faced a life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 37. The news was particularly shocking for McDonnell, who has no family history of cancer. She described her lifestyle as health-conscious, being a non-smoker, a vegan, and someone who exercised regularly. Yet, despite these factors, she had never performed regular breast self-examinations.

It was during a routine shower that she first noticed something unusual. “The breast tissue on my left side felt a little bit more tender and was slightly swollen,” McDonnell recalled. Seeking medical advice, she scheduled an appointment with her general practitioner. After an examination, the doctor confirmed the presence of a lump and referred her to Waterford Hospital for further testing.

After undergoing a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, McDonnell received her diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer on December 4, 2019. According to Helen Forristal, director of nursing services at the Marie Keating Foundation, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Ireland, with approximately 3,616 cases diagnosed annually. The foundation reports that early detection significantly improves survival rates, with an 88% five-year net survival rate for those diagnosed early.

McDonnell’s diagnosis revealed cancer in both breasts along with multiple tumours. “I could not feel any lumps at all,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of awareness. Following her diagnosis, she experienced what she described as a profound sense of grief, believing she might not survive.

However, she drew inspiration from her late uncle, who maintained a positive attitude during his own battle with cancer. “My mom reminded me about him,” McDonnell said. “She said to me your mind is so important.” Finding a treatment plan provided her with a sense of relief; she began to view chemotherapy as a necessary step rather than a burden.

In February 2020, McDonnell commenced her chemotherapy, initially delaying treatment to undergo fertility preservation as she was single and childless. After five months of chemotherapy, the tumours had shrunk significantly, leading to a successful lumpectomy. Following this surgery, she underwent four weeks of radiation as a precaution.

During this time, McDonnell learned she tested positive for the BRCA 1 gene, which heightened her risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Faced with this information, she opted for a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy to mitigate her risks. “I thought it would be the safest option for me,” she explained.

In July 2021, a year after being declared cancer free, McDonnell underwent the double mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery. Two years later, in October 2023, she had the oophorectomy. By July 2025, McDonnell will mark five years free from cancer.

Through her social media platform, particularly TikTok, McDonnell passionately advocates for breast cancer awareness. She shares her journey and emphasizes the critical importance of self-examinations. “A huge thing I always say to people is if you think there’s something wrong in your body, go to your GP,” she advised. “Even if it is cancer, it’s not always a death sentence anymore.”

Forristal highlights that breast cancer accounts for 22% of all cancer survivors in Ireland, reflecting improvements in detection and treatment. McDonnell, now 42, remains vigilant about her health, attending regular check-ups. She acknowledges that while the fear of cancer lingers, it has lessened over time.

“I used to search the Facebook group to find people who were five years cancer free, 10 years cancer free,” McDonnell said, noting that these connections provided her with hope. “I think you always have to look to the future.” Her journey exemplifies resilience and the power of awareness in the fight against cancer.