The Irish Cancer Society is running its Pink campaign throughout October to fund free patient supports and research projects, drawing public appeals from survivors across the country as new diagnostic data shows thousands facing the disease annually.
Dundalk Survivor Urges Public Support After 2022 Diagnosis
Dundalk breast cancer survivor Caroline O’Donnell is encouraging people across County Louth to support the Irish Cancer Society’s Pink campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The 50-year-old mother of three was diagnosed with the disease in early 2022 after discovering a lump in her left breast a few months prior. Working as an ICU nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic, she initially delayed seeking medical advice because of how busy life had become before consulting a doctor at Beaumont Hospital.
O’Donnell underwent a left-side mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, completing active treatment in November 2022. She now assists the fundraising effort to sustain free counselling, transport services, Night Nursing, and breast cancer research projects. Donations can be made and fundraising events registered at cancer.ie/pink, according to the Irish Cancer Society.
National Diagnostic Figures Contrast With Regional Patient Appeals
To address these diagnoses, survivors nationwide are sharing their experiences to promote early detection and fundraising.
In County Offaly, 28-year-old Tullamore resident Roisin Molloy is hosting a coffee morning fundraiser on October 11 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Ballinamere Community Centre. Molloy was diagnosed abroad while 20,000 kilometers from home and subsequently underwent fertility treatment, chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiotherapy, finishing active treatment in late September. In County Waterford, Hazel Farrell, 54, who works as an Academic Lead for AI at SETU Waterford, was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer last year after noticing a change in her right breast, undergoing a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted treatment before joining the campaign.
Ballybunion and Cavan Families Share Losses and Early Detection Warnings
Additional personal accounts emphasize the impact of screening delays and the importance of self-examination. In County Kerry, Ballybunion resident Laura Rohan is supporting the campaign after losing her mother, Marie Rohan, to breast cancer in February 2024. Marie experienced back pain in 2021 and was diagnosed after never having a mammogram due to delays related to Covid.
In County Cavan, 28-year-old Alanna Kells from Belturbet was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2025 after discovering a pearl-like lump in her breast while lying in bed. Following an ultrasound and MRI that revealed tumors across all four quadrants, Kells completed chemotherapy in June and a mastectomy in July, with radiotherapy scheduled next. Mary O’Kelly, a cancer nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, advises individuals to perform self-examinations, know what is normal for their bodies, and consult a GP promptly regarding persistent changes. Anyone seeking guidance can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pink Campaign
What services do donations to the Irish Cancer Society Pink campaign fund?
Donations fund free cancer support services including counselling, transport to treatment, Night Nursing, and breast cancer research projects.
How can individuals participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraising?
People can host their own Pink fundraising events—such as coffee mornings, workplace collections, or community gatherings—throughout October. Events can be registered and direct donations submitted through the official website at cancer.ie/pink.
What specific breast changes should prompt a visit to a general practitioner?
The Irish Cancer Society recommends seeing a GP for any persistent changes such as a new lump or thickening, alterations in breast size or shape, skin changes, nipple changes, or ongoing pain in the breast or armpit area.