Eight Women Share Advanced Breast Cancer Realities at Dundrum Exhibition
Most people think of cancer as something you survive through or something you die from. A lot of people are not aware of the in-betweeners.
That is how Aine Murphy described the invisible reality facing people living with incurable cancer. A photographic exhibition titled Living Loudly. Dying to be Heard: Perspectives on Advanced Breast Cancer is opening at Dundrum Town Centre on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, to highlight the day-to-day experiences of eight women across Ireland. Created and funded by AstraZeneca with support from the Marie Keating Foundation, the free exhibition is located on Level 1 outside Brown Thomas and runs through Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Portraits and Personal Stories Challenge Public Perceptions
The exhibition features portraits and personal accounts from eight women: Dr Tonya Leonard, Cynthia Cosme Cravo, Aine Murphy, Joy Keating, Barbara King, Fiona Dowd, Aileen O’Connor, and Hazel Fleming. Their stories span diverse backgrounds, touching on realities such as navigating the healthcare system as an immigrant or living with neurodiversity alongside an advanced cancer diagnosis.
Nicola Fullam, Head of Corporate Affairs at AstraZeneca, stated that the campaign gives voice to overlooked realities and celebrates the strength of the women living with the condition. The exhibition aims to shine a light on stories of strength, uncertainty, hope, resilience, and determination. Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing Services at the Marie Keating Foundation, noted that advanced cancer communities frequently feel invisible during October, making it crucial to place the needs and voices of these women at the center of the conversation.
Systemic Challenges Highlighted by Patients
For North Clare-based Barbara King, who was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the journey exposed significant gaps in patient communication. Attending hospital appointments alone during lockdown, she faced initial shock when a surgeon indicated she would be sent to palliative care rather than undergoing surgery, though an oncologist reassured her later that same day.
Reflecting on her care, Barbara King said that treatment plans evolved without prior discussion and changes were made without explanation. She emphasized that patients need to be included in conversations about their care from the outset. Alongside individual advocacy, King found peer support through the Marie Keating Foundation’s Positive Living group, connecting with a community that offers shared understanding and companionship.
Exhibition Details and Visitor Information
* Event Title: Living Loudly. Dying to be Heard: Perspectives on Advanced Breast Cancer
* Dates: Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18
* Location: Level 1, outside Brown Thomas, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin
* Admission: Free entry for all visitors
* Organizers & Supporters: Created and funded by AstraZeneca, with support from the Marie Keating Foundation
Further support and information regarding advanced cancer services are available through the Marie Keating Foundation.
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