Copyright evoke
They call them victory scars reminders of LIFE. For the women and men leading Ireland’s first survivor-led breast cancer awareness campaign, these marks are symbols of strength, survival, and sisterhood. This October, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they’re standing proud, scars and all, to share one vital truth: early detection saves lives. Real Stories. Real Scars. Real Strength. Breast Cancer KNOW MORE isn’t another pink ribbon campaign, it’s a movement powered by the people who’ve lived through the disease. From a 30-year-old woman diagnosed days after her birthday to a brave woman living with incurable Stage 4 breast cancer, survivors arecoming forward to show the raw, unfiltered reality of what survival looks like and why awareness matters more than ever. Their mission is deeply personal, to turn pain into purpose and ensure no one faces the disease unaware. ‘They classified me as Stage 4, which meant treatable but not curable,’ says Vanessa Pontes, one of the campaign’s ambassadors. ‘It changed everything. But what I can do now is use my voice to make sure others don’t end up where I am.’ From Fear to Fierce This campaign isn’t about hiding scars it’s about reclaiming them. The portraits featured in Breast Cancer KNOW MORE campaign are not polished or filtered; they’re brave, beautiful, and utterly human. Each image tells a story of endurance, vulnerability, and empowerment. Behind every smile is a moment of fear, behind every scar, a story of resilience. These survivors are redefining what it means to live with and beyond breast cancer. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and fighters with a mission. Knowledge is Power Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, and it certainly doesn’t care about age, lifestyle, or circumstance. But knowledge can make all the difference. Every year in Ireland, over 3,700 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. One in seven women and 1 in 738 men will face the disease in their lifetime. Survival rates continue to improve, but the key factor remains the same- breast cancer needs to be caught as early as possible, and people need to recognise the signs, of which there are many. It goes well beyond just finding a lump. ‘Checking your breasts regularly is the simplest, most effective way to find changes,’ says Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland. ‘Our Patient Ambassadors’ courage and honesty in sharing their stories will help others recognise symptoms, seek early detection, and ultimately, survive this disease.’ Changing the Conversation What makes Breast Cancer KNOW MORE so powerful is its authenticity. These are not actors or spokespeople, they are real survivors who are each using their experience to educate and inspire. Their openness creates connection, dissolving the fear and silence that so often surround diagnosis. By sharing their scars, these survivors are sending a message of hope - that beauty, strength, and life continue after breast cancer. Their bravery invites others to take ownership of their health and to get informed, get checked, and get empowered. A Movement of Hope For every story of survival shared, someone out there feels less alone. That’s the ripple effect this campaign aims to create, one story sparking another; one check leading to an early detection; one life saved. As Vanessa so powerfully says, ‘If my story helps just one person find their cancer earlier, it’s worth everything.’ Breast Cancer KNOW MORE is more than awareness - It’s action, courage, and community. It’s about transforming fear into knowledge, scars into symbols of victory, and stories into life-saving lessons. So, take five minutes today and get to know your body. Check your breasts and share the message. Get informed. Get empowered. Get checked. Visit breastcancerknowmore.ie for information on breast cancer signs, symptoms, and early detection.
