“This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month will be a different one for me”

Irish author & breast cancer survivor Patricia Scanlan urges the public to back the Irish Cancer Society’s Big Pink Breakfast

Monday, 29 September: Beloved Irish author and breast cancer survivor Patricia Scanlan is urging the Irish public to support the Irish Cancer Society’s ‘Big Pink Breakfast’ ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

All donations raised will fund groundbreaking breast cancer research and free support services. People can sign up to host a Big Pink Breakfast throughout the month of October. A Big Pink Breakfast can be a tea or coffee morning at work, a family and friends’ get-together at home or a bake sale in your community. 

Every year, around 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland.

Patricia was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2024 following her BreastCheck appointment.

Launching this year’s campaign, Patrica said: “Before cancer visited me, I was very well aware of the support, kindness and practical help offered by the Irish Cancer Society. My family and extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins, have been affected by cancer over the years, and have sought and received help from the Irish Cancer Society. Never, though, did I think I would need their valuable services. Like most people I thought cancer would never affect me, despite the family history and the statistic that 1 in 2 of us may hear the words, ‘You have cancer’.

“After my initial shock and terror, I was so greatly helped by the kindness of all the medical staff I dealt with. I knew there was more help and expertise to support me on my journey, especially in the lonely, worry-filled days during and after surgery and treatment. 

“There are so many types of cancers, so many treatments, so much to absorb over the days, months, and years after a diagnosis. Like a beacon of light on a dark night, the Irish Cancer Society is there for everyone who needs them. The cancer nurses are so empathetic and reassuring, a lifeline in times of trauma.

“There’s counselling, which can be done online, over the phone or in person. This service is invaluable, not only for the cancer patient but for their family – especially children – who are in a state of trauma and upheaval. 

“There are transport services, volunteer-led and free of charge, for patients having treatment.  

“The Welfare and Supports team can provide advice on benefits, social welfare entitlements, public services, medical card applications, community support, legal entitlements, housing and mortgages, childcare or talking to your workplace about your diagnosis.

“And always too, ongoing research. 

“But all these much-needed services require funding. This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month will be a different one for me, and I will be coming to it as someone who was diagnosed with cancer and has availed of the services of the Irish Cancer Society myself. Hopefully that diagnosis will never come to your door, but you will certainly know someone who gets the knock. 

“Please, this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage you to host a Big Pink Breakfast for friends, family & colleagues and give as much as you can to support this wonderful organisation, and all that they do.”

Typically receiving just 5% of its funding from Government, the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer research and vital free services like the Support Line, Transport Service, Daffodil Centres, cancer information, financial grants, and Night Nursing are fuelled by fundraising. 

Participants are encouraged to host their fundraising events throughout the month of October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Registration is open now! To register and to find out more, please visit: cancer.ie/pink 

ENDS