Laois Woman’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis Highlights Importance of Screening
Rathdowney, Laois – Helen Campion, a community leader and breast cancer survivor, is raising awareness about the importance of early detection and recognizing the diverse symptoms of breast cancer. Ms. Campion, a founding member of the Rathdowney Arts Group and organizer of local events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, now works as an educational coordinator for Breast Cancer Ireland, focusing on the Munster region.
Early Detection Through Screening
Helen Campion’s own diagnosis in 2019 came about through the national breast check program. “It was purely good luck that my cancer was found when it was,” she stated to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. She had registered with the breast check database and, at age 52, received a mammogram invitation. Initially hesitant, she almost cancelled the appointment but rescheduled for a mobile unit in Newbridge.
Four days after her mammogram, she was called back for further testing at St. Vincent’s Hospital. “I had walked out of the mobile unit in Newbridge thinking it was great…When I got called back, that’s when it all changed,” she said. Further examination revealed a mass in her left breast that had spread to her armpit, requiring a biopsy.
Beyond Lumps: Recognizing Diverse Symptoms
Ms. Campion emphasized that her cancer presented without the typical symptom of a lump. “I didn’t feel I had symptoms, because all I knew was to check for lumps,” she explained. She now educates others about the eight common symptoms of breast cancer that many women are unaware of.
- A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit
- A change in size or shape of your breast such as one breast becoming larger than the other
- A change in the skin of your breast, such as puckering, ridges or dimpling (the skin may look like orange peel) or redness
- A breast abscess or boil – this may appear as a red, tender area on your breast.
- A change in your nipple, such as a pulled in, sunken or flattened nipple.
- An unusual discharge (liquid) from one or both of your nipples. The discharge may be blood stained or watery.
- A change on or around the nipple such as a rash or flaky or crusted skin
- Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
- Soreness or warmth (inflammatory breast cancer)
- A red scaly rash on one nipple, which may itch or burn (Paget’s disease of the breast)
Treatment and Recovery
Following her diagnosis, Ms. Campion underwent surgery and radiation treatments at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny. She was prescribed Tamoxifen, an estrogen blocker, for six years, completing her treatment in April 2025. She qualified for a medical card upon her diagnosis and praised the quality of care she received within the public healthcare system, stating, “the HSE staff are incredible.”
Breast Cancer Ireland and Community Outreach
Ms. Campion joined Breast Cancer Ireland as an Education & Awareness coordinator for Munster, a role she secured after sending her CV despite the application deadline. Breast Cancer Ireland has ten educators, all survivors, covering all 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland. In 2023, the team reached over 35,000 people with their educational programs.
“We wish to reach as many people as possible,” Ms. Campion said. “Breast cancer is now survivable. 23% of women from 20 to 50 will get breast cancer. We want to reach these women. One in 738 men get breast cancer, and it’s not talked about. If something pops up or changes and doesn’t go away, get it checked. If caught early, it’s treatable.”
Breast Cancer Ireland offers a free app, ‘Breast Aware’, to help women learn how to check their breasts and provides monthly reminders. For more information, visit BreastCancerIreland.com.