Cancer survivor Marian urges public to get out and support Pink campaign

A Cork-based breast cancer survivor has made a call to members of the public to support the Irish Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

Marian Buckley, 61, from Mallow is encouraging people and businesses across the city and county to host a Pink event to support the campaign, with funds donated to help vital support services.

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

Ms Buckley was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 after feeling tired and a sensation in her right breast that "just didn’t feel right."

She was diagnosed with stage four invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer.

After five months of chemotherapy, a surgery, and taking part in a cancer trial, Ms Buckley was told that there was no longer a sign of cancer.

She has been in remission now for 11 years.

Ms Buckley also completed a walking challenge for the Irish Cancer Society in June, walking almost 350km and raising more than €3,700.

“Stay positive. There is light at the end of the tunnel," said Ms Buckley.

"Put your trust in the treatments and get out and move. Sitting inside and feeling sorry isn’t going to help. The word cancer sounds scary, but the Irish Cancer Society gives hope," she added.

“I would encourage everyone to get behind the Pink campaign. A huge amount of the funding for the Irish Cancer Society’s breast cancer support services and breast cancer research projects comes from donations made by the public.

“If you are at all able, please support this important cause."

This October, the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging people to host Pink events in their homes, workplaces, communities and colleges to raise funds to support breast cancer support services such as free counselling, transport to treatment, night nursing and more.

Funds raised will also be used to fund ground-breaking breast cancer research projects.

For more information, or to host an event,see: www.cancer.ie/pink.