‘Breast cancer no death sentence’

THERESE KIELY was just 25 years old when she was found to have a condition that can sometimes be a precursor to breast cancer.

Abnormal cells were found around a breast lump that had been surgically removed and doctors at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin decided to continue to review her case.

In 2001, 10 years after the abnormal cells were first discovered, doctors found she had developed breast cancer and Therese underwent a mastectomy.

In January 2002, Therese was placed under the care of Professor John Crown, a consultant oncologist at St Vincent’s.

Therese, 41, a married woman from Balinteer, Dublin, was given the opportunity try new anti-cancer drugs and is now well on the way to recovery.

She counts herself lucky that her case was so well monitored at St Vincent’s. The breast cancer was diagnosed early and successfully treated.

“I just feel so sorry for the women whose breast cancer was misdiagnosed. I count myself as one of the lucky ones,” she said.

Therese said she was horrified that Edel Kelly, 26, a mother of two, had died a year after being given the all-clear for breast cancer at Ennis General Hospital.

“I want women to know that breast cancer is not a death sentence any more. Of all cancers it is one of the most treatable.

“It is shocking to be diagnosed with breast cancer but women should keep in mind that it is extremely treatable if caught in time,” she said.

But Therese was fortunate because Prof Crown is a member of the All Ireland Co-operative Oncology Research Group (ICORG) — an alliance of cancer doctors whose work ensures cutting-edge treatments are made available to Irish patients.

Joining a trial organised by the charity gave Therese access to the most up-to-date treatment available internationally.

“I was happy in the knowledge that I was getting the same treatment as a breast cancer patient attending a top cancer hospital in America,” she said.

Therese was speaking at ICORG’s launch of the Winter Light Ball that takes place at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, on November 8.

A new website — www.winterlightball.ie contains ticket information and allows people to make a donation or visit their online auction page.