Irish Singer Klara McDonnell Triumphs Over Breast Cancer Battle

Klara McDonnell, a 42-year-old singer and songwriter from Carlow, Ireland, is looking forward to the future after a life-altering battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed at just 37 with triple negative breast cancer, McDonnell’s journey began with a surprising discovery during a routine shower. Noticing tenderness and slight swelling in her left breast, she sought medical advice, leading to a diagnosis that would change her life.

On December 4, 2019, McDonnell received the devastating news after a series of tests at Waterford Hospital, including a mammogram and biopsy. “I could not feel any lumps at all,” she recalled. “I think that’s quite important to note because I had no symptoms, really except for that tenderness.”

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Ireland, with approximately 3,616 new cases diagnosed each year. According to Helen Forristal, director of nursing services at the Marie Keating Foundation, the disease claims around 753 lives annually. Forristal emphasizes the significance of early detection, stating, “When caught early, breast cancer has a five-year net survival rate of 88%.”

After her diagnosis, McDonnell initially felt overwhelmed, grappling with a sense of grief and fear. “I genuinely believed I was going to die,” she admitted. However, the memory of her uncle, who faced cancer with positivity, inspired her. “My mom reminded me about him. She said to me your mind is so important.”

McDonnell’s treatment began in February 2020, following a brief delay for fertility preservation. As a single woman without children at the time, she made the decision to freeze her eggs before commencing a five-month chemotherapy regimen. Remarkably, the treatment reduced her tumours to a manageable size, allowing for a successful lumpectomy.

Despite being declared cancer-free, McDonnell underwent four weeks of radiation therapy as a precaution. During this time, she also learned of her positive test for the BRCA 1 gene, indicating a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Faced with this news, she opted for a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy in July 2021, believing it to be the safest choice for her long-term health.

McDonnell’s resilience has been evident throughout her journey. After her surgeries, she focused on recovery, and by October 2023, she celebrated two years cancer-free. “I think you always have to look to the future,” she said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.

Through her TikTok channel, McDonnell actively raises awareness about breast cancer, sharing her experiences and urging others to prioritize 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 advises. “Early diagnosis is better. People are living a lot longer, and there are advances in technology and science every day.”

Forristal echoes this sentiment, noting that breast cancer now accounts for 22% of all cancer survivors in Ireland. As McDonnell continues her advocacy work, she remains vigilant about her health, attending regular check-ups. “As time goes on, maybe that fear will fade a little bit more into the background,” she reflects.

Klara McDonnell’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and the strength found in community support during challenging times.