Local women step up for breast cancer in the Very Pink Run

TWO local women have become ambassadors for Breast Cancer Ireland’s Very Pink Run, which takes place in September, after being diagnosed with the disease several years ago.

One of the ambassadors is Shauna Comiskey, 30, from Monksfield in Clondalkin, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2021, after finding a small lump in her breast.

“I found a tiny lump – my mam had breast cancer before, so I always checked myself,” Shauna told The Echo.

“The minute I found it, I went to my doctor and when I was waiting for an ultrasound appointment another lump came up in May, and I noticed that I was also really tired all the time.”

Shauna received her diagnosis of breast cancer the following July and underwent treatment for it, including a mastectomy and a three-step hormonal programme.

She added that her cancer is now “all gone” but she’s not yet in remission as her treatment isn’t finished, as she had hormonal breast cancer and the BRAC2 gene.

During her treatment, Shauna became aware of the invaluable work of Breast Cancer Ireland and undertook fundraisers for them.

“Breast Cancer Ireland is amazing for resources or even just to speak to people who are in a similar situation,” she said.

“They do amazing work, it just blows your mind.”

BCI Patient Supporter Shauna Comiskey

Cara Carter, 43, from Rockbrook in Rathfarnham, has also been chosen as an ambassador for the Very Pink Run.

The mother-of-two was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2019, after experiencing seemingly random shooting pains around her nipple.

“My symptoms were quite unusual,” she told The Echo. “I noticed a very slight and occasional nerve pain that went from my nipple back, and a slight itch on my nipple.

“Having known a number of people over the years who’ve had breast cancer, I made an appointment with a GP who didn’t find a lump, but sent me for a mammogram.

“They found a small tumour, less than two centimetres, and I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer.”

Cara underwent a double mastectomy, a lymph node clearance – as cancer had also been detected there – and chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

“As far as the doctors were concerned, once my surgery was done, there was no more evidence of the disease,” Cara said.

“I feel very lucky, and very blessed. I can’t say I wish it never happened, because so many positive things have happened.”

Among those positive things is being an ambassador for the Very Pink Run, which Cara is a strong proponent of as it will help to fund breast cancer research.

“I want to support Breast Cancer Ireland and their research, and I’m more than happy to be involved,” she said.

“Breast cancer is definitely going to impact yours, and everyone’s, lives, it’s prolific.

“For me, my support is there from the research perspective, and I do it for everybody who’s yet to walk down the path [of a breast cancer diagnosis] and those who already have.”

Breast Cancer Ireland’s Very Pink Run will take place at 12 midday (10k) and 12.45pm (5k) on September 30 at Leopardstown Racecourse.

Registrations are now being accepted at HERE.

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