Being breast aware: The 15-minute habit that could help to save your life

With 3,700 cases diagnosed here annually, none of us can afford to ignore the signs of breast cancer. Checking for symptoms is a simple, potentially life-saving practice we should all develop

Juliette O’Connell was 41 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She now works for Breast Cancer Ireland as an outreach co-ordinator. She urges everyone to take the time to check themselves and speak to a GP if they’re unsure. Picture: Larry Cummins

When Juliette O’Connell was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, cancer wasn’t on her radar.

“There was no history of breast cancer in my family, and I wasn’t unwell or hadn’t even found a lump,” she says.