BREAST cancer is unfortunately one of the most common cancers in Ireland, with more than 2,000 women diagnosed each year.
However, the prognosis nowadays is thankfully much more positive than in previous years thanks to major advances in cancer care.
I recently met with one breast cancer survivor who is now dedicated to helping others who find themselves facing situations similar to her own experiences.
Catherine Phelan established the Waterford Regional and South Tipperary Hospital Breast Cancer Support Group shortly after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.
- Catherine Phelan who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.
“At the time, it was therapy for me. It was an outlet for me and something else to think about,” she explained.
“I was carried along with the energy and goodwill of people. For me, it was fantastic to have so much family support but not everybody has that. Some people have said to me that they underwent cancer treatment or received the news of being diagnosed without saying it to anybody.”
Thankfully, all is now well with Catherine and she has focused her energy on helping others.