'The white ribbon means we lung cancer survivors are finally seen' 

Samantha Vaughan and Gillian Ryan were both shocked at how little information was available after they were diagnosed with lung cancer.

The first white ribbon campaign to raise awareness of lung cancer in Ireland has just launched thanks to the determined efforts of two patients  described as "absolute powerhouses" in Cork and Laois.

More than 2,500 people are diagnosed with lung cancer here every year and it causes one in five cancer deaths annually.

Gillian Ryan and Samantha Vaughan were both shocked at how little information was available after they were diagnosed and wanted to change this. 

Ms Ryan was diagnosed at just 40 and as a sporty non-smoker was blindsided.

“To me the white ribbon means we lung cancer survivors are finally seen,” she said.

It means we have something that represents us. This ribbon is more than just a symbol, this ribbon means hope.

A mother of two, living in Bandon, her dream now is to see her teenagers grow up.

Money raised is ring-fenced for lung cancer research by the charity Breakthrough Cancer Research.

“I still have trouble breathing but I’m alive and that’s all that matters,” Ms Ryan said.

“And that’s why I’m so passionate about cancer research. 

Gillian Ryan was diagnosed with lung cancer a few days after her 40th birthday in November 2021.

I would love it if lung cancer got as much recognition and funding as other cancers.

She urged people to get the ribbon and learn more about this cancer. 

Fellow cancer survivor Samantha Vaughan, 49, and a non-smoker, also struggled with her shock diagnosis.

“My symptoms were put down to long covid the whole time,” she said.

“Now when I look back, I had hoarseness, I had fatigue, shortness of breath, and if I had known the signs it would have meant going more quickly to the doctor.” 

She is enrolled in a clinical trial at Cork University Hospital under Dr Dearbhaile Collins, travelling from Laois for treatment.

“I’m the first to try this type of treatment post-op which I’m delighted with,” she said. 

“It’s positive, being on trial gives me a bit of positivity.” 

Samantha Vaughan is enrolled in a clinical trial at Cork University Hospital, travelling from Laois for treatment. Picture: Alf Harvey

She is hopeful white ribbon sales could fund further research.

“I would be so passionate about this, I don’t think people realise the research that could come from this,” she said.

She has been thrilled by support already from local businesses willing to take boxes of ribbons to sell. 

Breakthrough Cancer Research CEO Orla Dolan said those women were the driving force behind creating this campaign. 

“We immediately saw the potential to save lives through early detection, by recognising signs and symptoms and seeking attention, while also funding urgently needed research,” she said.

She explained the white ribbon is a global symbol for lung cancer.

Every euro from the sale of white ribbon pins is ring-fenced for lung cancer research projects.

“Supporters can be confident their support goes directly to research into new, better, kinder, smarter treatments and diagnostics.” 

Ms Ryan and her daughter met health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill earlier this week to share their plans.

The minister described them and Ms Vaughan in a post on social media as "absolute powerhouses". 

She said: "They are doing all they can to raise awareness about lung cancer, its symptoms, and dispelling the myth that just because you don't smoke doesn't mean you're not at risk." 

People can buy ribbons at €3 each with a minimum order of three from the charity’s website. 

Businesses, schools, community groups, and workplaces looking for larger quantities can email [e-mail] to order.