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There’s something undeniably powerful about a survivor sharing their story; their strength, their honesty, their experience. It’s that power that’s at the heart of a bold new movement from Breast Cancer Ireland, which is shining a spotlight on healthcare in the most human way possible: through the voices of survivors. This new campaign, Breast Cancer KNOW MORE, marks a refreshing shift in how we talk about health. It moves beyond statistics and medical jargon to focus on what really connects people, the lived experiences of women and men who have faced breast cancer head-on. By putting survivors at the centre of the conversation, Breast Cancer Ireland is opening up a dialogue that’s not just about awareness, but about empowerment, early detection, and hope. A New Era of Health Communication For years, conversations around breast cancer often revolved around facts and figures, they are of course important, but sometimes they’re maybe a little too detached to truly hit home. Now, this new KNOW MORE campaign, supported by Breast Cancer Ireland, is reimagining that narrative. Their new storytelling initiative brings together the voices of survivors from across the country, each with a deeply personal journey that highlights a shared message: knowledge and vigilance save lives. These stories are raw, emotional, and inspiring, but they’re also practical. They highlight the importance of understanding your own body, recognising early signs, and acting quickly if something doesn’t feel right. By hearing directly from women and men who have lived through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, the campaign offers a sense of reassurance and solidarity, reminding others that they are not alone, and that there is life, beauty, and strength beyond breast cancer. In Ireland, over 3,700 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Statistically, one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 738 men. Turning Awareness into Action What makes this approach so powerful is its ability to transform awareness into action. It’s one thing to know that early detection is important; it’s another to be moved to check regularly, book that screening, or speak up about a change because you’ve heard someone’s real-life experience. Breast Cancer Ireland’s initiative isn’t just sharing stories it’s sparking a chain reaction of conversations among women and men; friends, and families. It’s helping to normalise talking about breast health, encouraging self-examination, and empowering people of all ages to take charge of their wellbeing. The Power of Shared Experience Behind every statistic is a person with a story. Hearing survivors speak candidly about their journeys brings home the human side of healthcare. It creates empathy and understanding in ways that data alone never could. For many of the those involved, sharing their story is about giving back turning their experience into a message that might help someone else. It’s about hope, resilience, and using their voice to change the narrative from fear to empowerment. And for those listening, it’s a reminder of what’s possible when awareness meets action. One of the stars leading this campaign is Vanessa Pontes, who is living with incurable breast cancer. Diagnosed at Stage 4, Vanessa’s life was forever changed - and she wants her experience to make an impact of everyone. She says ‘What I can do now is use my voice to make sure others don’t end up where I am. If one person gets detected early as a result of this, then everything I’ve experienced will be worth it.’ For Niamh Noonan, diagnosed just two days after her 30th birthday, her scars have become symbols of victory, and she wants to share the message that early detection saves lives. ‘They [her scars] have literally saved my life. It’s a victory scar, not a victim scar - and that’s why I’m speaking out. No one is too young to be affected. Knowing the signs could save your life,’ she says. Looking Forward With Hope This new campaign from Breast Cancer Ireland isn’t just a celebration of survival; it’s a celebration of strength, courage, and connection. It’s helping to reshape how we think about our health - not as something to fear, but something to take ownership of. Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, says ‘Checking your breasts regularly is the simplest, most effective way to find changes. Our Patient Ambassadors’ courage and honesty in sharing their stories will help others recognise symptoms, seek early detection, and ultimately, survive this disease.’ By shining a light on real people and real experiences, Breast Cancer Ireland is leading a new era of health communication, one that’s relatable, inspiring, and deeply human. It reminds us that when survivors share their stories, they don’t just change lives; they save them. Get informed. Get empowered. Get checked. Visit breastcancerknowmore.ie for information on breast cancer signs, symptoms, and early detection.
