Donegal breast cancer patient encourages public to support the Big Pink Breakfast

Breast cancer patient Helen McKinney Russell from Letterkenny is encouraging the public to host a Big Pink Breakfast to help fund vital breast cancer support services and life-changing breast cancer research projects. 

Mother of one, Helen (50), was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer last May, after she noticed a small lump in her left breast. She went to her GP, who referred her to a Breast Clinic for tests, which revealed her diagnosis.

“I felt very emotional when they said it might be cancer when I went for tests. Two weeks later, in May, I went back for my results and the consultant said it was cancer.

“The day he said I had lobular breast cancer, I remember reaching for my husband Stephen’s hand and squeezing it. My sister was there too, she works in the hospital, and I remember seeing her eyes filling up with tears.”

Helen is currently receiving chemotherapy, which is expected to finish in November. The plan is for her to have a left breast mastectomy and a right breast lumpectomy in February, followed by radiotherapy.

“I find that a positive mindset really helps. I make sure to put aside time every day to reflect on the things that I’m grateful for. Trying to find the positive in each day really helps me.”

Helen is sharing her story to encourage people to support the Big Pink Breakfast campaign to help people like her who have been affected by breast cancer. 

“I would encourage everyone to please get behind the Big Pink Breakfast 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. You can sign up at cancer.ie/pink” 

This October, the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging people to host a Big Pink Breakfast 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 much more. 

Funds raised will also be used to fund ground-breaking breast cancer research projects. Every year, around 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland.

Mary O’Kelly, Cancer Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, said: “Self-examination is so important for women of all ages, even those who are eligible for screening, as this only takes place every two years. Pick a date and try to do it as consistently as you can on a monthly basis. 

“It’s really important that we are breast aware and know what is normal for us. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of breast cancer and the change persists, please go to see your GP as soon as possible. 

"Women can sometimes feel embarrassed or uncomfortable attending their GP with breast issues, but this examination could save your life. Your GP will perform a routine examination of your breast and, if appropriate, refer you for further assessment. 

"If you are concerned about breast cancer, call the Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700. You can also find out more at www.cancer.ie” 

Symptoms of breast cancer include:  

• A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.  
• A change in size or shape of one breast, like one breast becoming larger than the other.  
• A change in the skin of your breast, like puckering or dimpling (the skin may look like orange peel).   
• A breast abscess – (infected boil) this may appear as a red, tender area on your breast.  
• A change in your nipple, like a pulled-in, sunken or flattened nipple.  
• An unusual discharge (liquid) from one or both of your nipples. The discharge may be blood-stained or watery.  
• A change on or around the nipple like a rash or flaky or crusted skin.  
• Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone.