Tag Archives: Clare cancer Support

A SURVIVOR of ovarian cancer has paid tribute to her late sister on what would have been her 50th birthday. Anne Murphy, a nurse from Tulla, is also urging other women to be aware of the symptoms, as World Ovarian Cancer Day is marked on Saturday. While Anne’s cancer was found early, her sister Gráinne was at stage four when her condition was diagnosed. “Tragically, Gráinne passed away before her 42nd birthday,” said Anne. “She had been attending various doctors for two years and when she was finally diagnosed, her cancer was terminal. Ovarian cancer presents with symptoms that are often put down to other conditions, from endometriosis to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Gráinne had had a baby six months previously and she was told her symptoms were connected to pregnancy.” Gráinne’s diagnosis was, in many ways, the catalyst for the detection of Anne’s own condition. “After Gráinne’s cancer was discovered, I went back to my own doctor and asked …

A TULLA-based oncology nurse, and ovarian cancer survivor, is urging women not to ignore the warning signs of gynaecological cancers. Anne Murphy, who is a member of the team at Clare Cancer Support, said that research shows many women are not aware of symptoms and don’t seek medical advice in time. “Early diagnosis is so important for a good prognosis,” Ms Murphy said. “I myself was diagnosed with early stage ovarian cancer in 2012.” The call comes ahead of World Gynaecologic Oncology Day on Sunday, when a number of buildings, including The Rock of Cashel and The National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) will light up in purple. “Clare Cancer Support are delighted to participate in this World Awareness Day,” Ms Murphy said, which is about raising awareness of gynaecological cancers, cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulval. Womens’ gynaecological cancers are poorly represented in the public arena and this needs to change. Most gynaecological cancers have symptoms but research has …

A LOCAL cancer centre is continuing its expansion with the launch of two new services. Actress Aoibhinn Garrihy was on hand last Friday to officially open a new hair and beauty salon at Sláinte an Chláir, Kilnamona and was impressed with the free services that are available to cancer patients at the centre. A spokeswoman for Clare Cancer Support explained they encourage patients to shave their hair once it starts falling out, as it can be distressing to see it happen in stages. Once their hair starts to grow back, patients are invited back to the centre where they will get a free style or colour. Women can also have their make-up done or a nail manicure. “It can be traumatic for anyone who starts to lose their after chemotherapy. Getting their hair and make-up done in a relaxing environment at the centre provides a great boost to women who have cancer. “It gives them a chance to put their …

AN ENNIS teacher, who suffered from breast cancer five years ago, is asking everyone to ‘Ink it Pink’ in October, to honour the memory of those who have died from the disease. Carmel Kelleher also wants everyone to show their support for the women, and increasingly for the men, who are currently receiving treatment for breast cancer and for those who have survived, with a small Pink Ribbon tattoo. Carmel, who had breast cancer in May 2009, had her own wrist tattooed with a pink ribbon in June this year, on the day a close friend died from the disease. “I’ve lost three friends this year to breast cancer. Monica Gallagher came to see me when I was ill myself. Everybody knew Monica, who died recently. Kathleen McGrath, who was also a former teacher and lived out in Scariff, Kathleen was a great friend of mine going back years. Another friend of mine, Claire Clune, a teacher in Caherdavin, died …