‘I never imagined it would happen’

FOLLOWING a diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 34, mother-of-three Amanda Benham is this week raising awareness of the Great Pink Run – and the need for younger women to be breast-aware.

Living in Firhouse with husband Mark and their three children, Amanda was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2020 – while expecting the couple’s third child.

“I found a lump during pregnancy,” Amanda told The Echo.

“It started quite small, and I didn’t think it was anything, but I got it checked.

“I thought that maybe it was a blocked milk duct.”

Following a visit to her GP, Amanda was sent for tests and after a biopsy was diagnosed with breast cancer, at the age of 34.

“I was totally surprised. I didn’t think this would ever happen to me at this age,” she said.

“I never imagined it would happen, there’s no family history on either side.”

After baby Fiadh was born, Amanda underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, finishing her treatment nine weeks ago.

Speaking with The Echo from home, Amanda encouraged young women to learn how to check their breasts properly and if unsure about anything, to visit their GP.

Amanda Benham, Breast Cancer Ireland Patient Supporter, and Great Pink Run Ambassador with her daughter Aoife
Photos by Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

“Don’t be afraid to go to your GP,” she said.

“If you notice anything, go.

“If there is something there, I know it’s not the news you want to hear but the sooner, the better.”

Amanda is a Breast Cancer Ireland Patient Supporter and a Great Pink Run Ambassador, and will this October be embarking on the virtual event with family and friends.

“The one thing I noticed was the amount of support out there when I was diagnosed, it was amazing,” she said.

“I’m well enough now and I want to give something back, I really want to help as much as I can.

“It’s also about raising awareness around breast cancer, and that it doesn’t matter what age you are.”

Alongside raising vital funds for breast cancer research, Amanda also wants to help raise awareness among young women about being breast-aware.

“I definitely think more needs to be done [in relation to breast cancer and younger women],” she said.

“We need to lower the age of screening and educate young women on how to check themselves properly.

“Maybe GPs could show their younger patients how to check themselves?

“Breast Cancer Ireland also has an app with a video that shows you how to check.

“I’ve downloaded it and showed it to my friends, it’s great for people who may not be breast aware.”

Breast Cancer Ireland’s Great Pink Run will take place on the weekend of October 16 and 17, with Amanda, Mark and kids Aoife (10), Liam (4) and Fiadh (1) walking with family and friends around the parks and green spaces in Firhouse.

The aim of the event is to turn the globe pink, with money raised funding breast cancer research and the development of new and more effective targeted therapies.

To learn more about Breast Cancer Ireland and the services it provides, or to support and sign-up to the Great Pink Run, visit breastcancerireland.com