Reflecting on the last month, driven by your support
June 2024
GILLIAN RYAN ON HER LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSIS In November 2021, Gillian Ryan received a diagnosis that would change her life: lung cancer. As a fit and healthy mother of two who led an active lifestyle, the news came as a tremendous shock. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that cancer does not discriminate. While it can often be linked to specific causes, a diagnosis can also appear out of nowhere, blindsiding even the healthiest individuals. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can be linked to causes, but sometimes, a diagnosis can come out of the blue. Here Gillian shares her experiences and aspirations for the future in a heartfelt video:
Gillian tells us about her cancer diagnosis
LUNG CANCER SIGNS & SYMPTOMS In Ireland, Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. However, early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. It's crucial to be aware of the common signs and symptoms. If they persist for three weeks or more please visit your GP. Early detection can make a lifesaving difference.
SUNSMART: PROTECT YOURSELF & YOUR LOVED ONES Skin cancer prevention is an essential aspect of overall health. From April to September, even on cloudy days, it’s important to follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s: 👕 Slip on clothing 🧴 Slop on sunscreen 🧢 Slap on a wide-brimmed hat 🌳 Seek shade 😎 Slide on sunglasses 🧴 Additional tips include avoiding deliberate tanning, preventing sunburn, and steering clear of sunbeds, which pose significant cancer risks. Sunscreen is a helpful tool, but it should be used in combination with other protective measures like clothing and shade.
👶🏼 Children, too, need protection when playing outdoors. While the sun offers health benefits, overexposure to UV rays can be harmful at any age, leading to skin damage and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
🦺 People who work outdoors face even higher UV exposure, making protective measures even more critical.
PANCREATIC CANCER SYMPOSIUM Just this week, we held a Pancreatic Cancer Symposium focused on the theme ‘Doubling Survival by 2045 – Building a Roadmap’. This hybrid event brought together experts and stakeholders from across the island Ireland to discuss collaboration, challenges and innovation in pancreatic cancer research. Pancreatic cancer is one of the seven priority cancers identified in our research strategy due to its persistently low survival rates. The symposium was a platform to explore the current early diagnosis, treatment and research landscapes, the impact that pancreatic cancer is currently having and how we start to build a roadmap towards improved survival rates for people who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A huge thank you to everyone who attended in person and virtually, to make this a hugely successful day. Thank you also to our corporate partner, Citi Ireland, who pulled out all the stops to host the day at their offices in Dublin.
THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF CANCER Understanding the emotional toll of cancer is as vital as addressing the physical symptoms. PhD student and researcher Avril Deegan delves into this topic, exploring the spectrum of emotions that people can experience from diagnosis through post-treatment. Emotional responses can vary widely from person to person, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems, including family, friends, psycho-oncology services, and support groups.
Avril Deegan, PhD Student talks about the emotional side of cancer
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