Rising Breast Cancer Rates Prompt Call for Self-Checks in Women

A significant rise in breast cancer diagnoses among women aged 20 to 49 in Ireland has prompted health advocates to urge younger women to prioritize self-checking. According to data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, diagnoses within this age group have surged by 26% from 677 cases in 2013 to 852 cases in 2022.

One of the affected individuals, Ciara Foskin, a 48-year-old mother, poet, and breast cancer survivor, shared her experience after receiving a diagnosis of Stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer at the age of 46. Foskin emphasizes the importance of early detection, noting that her cancer was identified following a recommendation from her general practitioner to investigate a new bump in her breast.

Reflecting on her diagnosis received in February 2022 at University Hospital Waterford, Foskin described the moment as “horrendous.” She recalled, “It was the only time in my life I ever experienced an out-of-body experience, my whole body froze.” The emotional impact of the diagnosis was profound, not only for Foskin but also for her daughter, who was only nine years old at the time. “I was really scared too, and vulnerable,” she admitted, highlighting the emotional toll that such a diagnosis can have on families.

Despite the challenges, Foskin is now cancer-free and recently published a book of poetry titled ‘Meet the Follicles’, where she reflects on her journey. She serves as an ambassador for the Maire Keating Foundation, which launched a new awareness campaign aimed at addressing the alarming trend of rising breast cancer cases among younger women.

The foundation has raised concerns about the increasing incidence of breast cancer in those below the age typically eligible for screening. Currently, women in Ireland are offered BreastCheck mammograms starting at age 50. Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing Services at the foundation, emphasized the importance of understanding personal health history: “We always say knowledge is power.” She encourages women to be proactive, saying, “Know your own family history so that you know if you might be at risk.”

The campaign was officially launched by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and is supported by Exact Sciences, a company that specializes in cancer detection technologies. As awareness spreads, the hope is that more women will take charge of their health through self-checks and early consultations with healthcare professionals.

With breast cancer continuing to affect younger populations, initiatives like this underline the urgent need for education and awareness to save lives. The Maire Keating Foundation’s campaign aims to empower women to take action, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.