‘I had a son and husband who wanted me alive’

“If you want to live, do everything you can for it,” said cancer survivor Mags Nolan who now encourages women, and men, to educate themselves on breast cancer.

Mags went from not being concerned at all when her doctor first referred her for a scan in summer 2023, to being diagnosed with cancer on both her breasts a few months later.

Originally from Old Bawn, she started radiotherapy shortly before turning 50, after finding out about her first cancer, and then opted for a double mastectomy when an MRI revealed a second cancer in March 2024.

“I have a son and a husband who wanted me alive, and I wanted to live too.

“We looked at each other and said, ‘get them off’.”

While getting ready for the surgery through the right counselling and support, she also researched different reconstruction methods until deciding she would go with expanders in her breasts after the mastectomy.

“For me, there was no thinking about it, but a mastectomy is a very individual decision.

“I decided to go with the expanders because I wasn’t ready to go flat yet.”

Mags’ first signs of breast cancers were spotted by her GP while she was getting checked for something else.

She said she would have noticed her breasts’ skin being discoloured or crusted but she didn’t think that was necessarily associated with cancer.

“That’s why now I say, ‘If in doubt, check it out’, not only for cancer but for any concern you have.

“Even when you think something is not important, follow your gut telling you something’s wrong and get it checked.”

“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,” confirmed Cancer Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society Carol Spillane. “Pick a day and try to do it as consistently as you can on a monthly basis.”

As she believes “education” about breast cancer is key, Mags decided to support the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and encourages the public to host “Big Pink Breakfasts” to raise funds for support services and research.

Promoted by the Irish Cancer Society, Big Pink Breakfasts can be hosted at home, in workplaces, schools or community spaces. Free counselling for breast cancer patients, transport to treatment or night nursing are among services that would receive the money raised at the breakfasts.

“You can learn and give your support, while having a nice chat,” explained Mags.

“When I was diagnosed, my doctor told me to bring a notebook with me at every appointment, and so I did.

“I started to research, question and advocate, until I was ahead of the doctors at every meeting, and I could understand what was going on.”

As per the support, she said that “talking about it with everyone” really helped and made her aware of how loved she was.

“I received flowers, presents, prayers. You never realise how loved you are until something like that happens, and now I really appreciate it.”

According to Mags, it’s crucial that men also attend such events and become more aware, as most of the times it’s the “partners, brothers, sons,” who are called to support women affected by breast cancer.

Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in breasts or armpits, a change in size or shape of breasts or in their skin which may look like orange peel, while breast pain alone is rarely a sign of breast cancer.

A breast abscess, unusual liquid discharge, and a change in the shape of nipples or in the skin around them can also be related to breast cancer and need to be checked.

For more information on the symptoms and on the “Big Pink Breakfasts” you can visit HERE.

Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line can also be contacted on Freephone 1800 200 700.