I decided to get a (double) mastectomy, to lower my chances of recurrence

At the age of just 24, Tanya had to learn how to navigate her cancer diagnosis, treatment and regain body positivity

Cancer survivor Tanya Dobbyn from Waterford. Pictures: Patrick Browne

Every year, more than 3,700 people (99% of whom are female) are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland. But while most are over the age of 50, it can and does, occur in younger people.

Tanya Dobbyn can attest to this as in 2017, at just 24 years of age, she discovered a pea-sized lump in her left breast and because there was a history of breast cancer in her family, she immediately made an appointment with her GP and was referred for further tests.