About Staying Abreast, brought to you by The National Breast Cancer Research Institute.
This new podcast dives deep into the impact of breast cancer, featuring real conversations with women, families, & medical experts. We’ll discuss living with a diagnosis, life after treatment, and how to support loved ones through the journey. Across these episodes, we’ll explore inspiring personal stories, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We’ll talk to experts who will update us on the latest medical advancements in breast cancer treatment and care. You don’t want to miss this!
Ep 07 - Too Young to Be Heard: Niamh and Muireann’s Breast Cancer Stories and Advocacy for Change
In this episode, Niamh Noonan and Muireann McColgan, share their powerful experiences with breast cancer and their advocacy through the ‘Too Young to Be Heard’ campaign – a campaign they co-founded with Ziva Cussen which gives a voice to younger women with breast cancer.
Niamh, diagnosed at 30 with stage 3 triple positive breast cancer, reflects on the uncertainty leading up to her diagnosis. She shares the initial shock of her diagnosis, the emotional and physical challenges she faced during her intensive treatment plan of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy and the great support she received.
Muireann was diagnosed at 37 while 31 weeks pregnant with initially stage 2 breast cancer that later progressed to stage 4. She shares how she has been managing her illness while balancing motherhood, work and wellbeing and outlines her unique treatment plan.
Join us as Niamh and Muireann share their powerful stories, reminding listeners that no one is ever too young to be heard.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
11 Nov 2025
Ep 06 - Hope Kicks Strong: Hazel Martin’s Breast Cancer Journey During Pregnancy
In this episode, Hazel Martin, originally from Wicklow and now living in Drogheda, opens up about her journey with stage 1, grade 3 triple negative breast cancer while pregnant with her first baby at just 33 years old.
Hazel shares how a small ache led her to discover a lump, and despite being vigilant with self-checks, she didn’t think it was cancer – especially while pregnant. After her diagnosis, she began a treatment plan unlike most, surgery and pregnancy-safe chemotherapy, later followed by another surgery and radiotherapy after giving birth to her happy healthy baby girl, Leia.
Hazel opens up about the emotional impact of sharing the news with her family, the strength she found in feeling her baby’s kicks during treatment and the challenges of undergoing cancer treatment while bonding with her newborn daughter.
Join us as Hazel shares her story of strength, motherhood and trusting the path ahead.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
4 Nov 2025
Ep 05 - From Patient to Advocate: Trish Farrell’s Breast Cancer Journey
In this episode, Trish Farrell, a counsellor psychotherapist in private practice from Dublin, shares her deeply personal journey through stage 2 HER2-negative breast cancer. Trish talks about her history of monitoring benign breast lumps and how her instinct told her something was different in June 2021. Although her initial medical checks felt familiar, her GP and Consultant sensed something different.
Following a triple assessment, Trish was later diagnosed with breast cancer with lymph node involvement. She shares how she chose to have surgery first, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, believing it was the right decision for her. She opens up about telling her sons and family, the emotional impact of treatment during COVID and the physical and emotional challenges of surgery and hair loss.
Trish reflects on her coping mechanisms that supported her, from photography to taking time away before her treatment began. She also speaks about the additional emotional weight of losing two siblings to cancer during her treatment.
Trish is now three years post-surgery, cancer-free, continuing hormone blockers and is a patient representative for breast cancer at St. James’s Hospital, helping to improve the experience for patients.
Join us as Trish share her powerful journey, reminding others to trust your instincts and find the treatment that fits you best.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
28 Oct 2025
Ep 04 - Doing It Her Way: Gert O'Rourke’s Journey Through Breast Cancer
In this episode, Gert O'Rourke, originally from Portlaoise and now living outside Galway, shares her journey through aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer. With a family history of cysts, she knew the routine when attending the Breast Clinic – but this time she noticed that this lump felt different. Diagnosed in 2018, Gert was reassured by her medical team, including Professor Ray, that research into this type of breast cancer is going very well and now it is one of the more treatable ones.
She talks through her treatment plan, which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and eight different surgeries. She opens up about her experience with the effects of chemotherapy and how she decided to continue working during the chemo as she remained determined to face the journey her own way.
Gert mentions how writing everything down helped her stay informed and highlights that every breast cancer journey is different.
Join us as Gert shares her powerful story and her inspiring message: trust the treatment and trust the people.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
21 Oct 2025
Ep 03 - Staying Positive: Lorraine Gallagher’s Journey Through Breast Cancer
In this episode, Lorraine Gallagher, a mom of four girls from Sligo, shares her journey through rapid and aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer. With no family history of breast cancer, feeling fit and walking a lot, she reflects on the surprise of her diagnosis.
Lorraine discusses her treatment plan including aggressive chemotherapy, two surgeries, and 20 rounds of radiotherapy and highlights the amazing care she received. She talks about the physical and emotional challenges of her treatment, including hair loss, while continuing her regular walks, remaining positive and having a strong support network.
Now, Lorraine is feeling better, she is back to running, has climbed a mountain and finished writing her novel, “Kitty: Finding Love in War”, inspired by her grandmother’s story.
Join us as Lorraine shares her story and reminds listeners to stay strong and not listen to the negatives.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
14 Oct 2025
Ep 02 - Finding Strength in Vigilance: Laura Duane’s Breast Cancer Story
In this episode, Laura Duane, a proud mom of two boys from Athenry, opens up about her journey through triple negative breast cancer and recurrence. She reflects on the shock of her diagnosis, her treatment plan – which included chemotherapy, immunotherapy with pembro and surgery – and the unwavering support she received from her family, friends and the medical teams both in Galway and Ballinasloe.
Laura talks about the power of positivity, the impact of hair loss on her and her children and how she learned to accept help from others. She highlights the importance of not being afraid to ask for help and having a strong support network around you.
Join us as Laura shares her story of vigilance, positivity and the power of community.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
7 Oct 2025
Ep 01 - Lessons in Resilience: Fiona Morgan Coleman’s Journey Through Breast Cancer and Beyond
In this episode, Fiona Morgan Coleman, a mother and guard from Mayo, shares her journey with aggressive stage three breast cancer, including diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and recurrence. She discusses coping with treatment, the emotional impact of hair loss, and her decision against reconstruction. Fiona highlights the importance of self-checks, support from her family and colleagues, and using Instagram for connection. She also talks about her ongoing treatment, fundraising for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, and organising wellness events.
Join us as Fiona she shares her story of resilience, positivity, and practical advice for others facing similar challenges.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
19 Nov 2024
Ep 08 - Johanna’s Story: Rare Diagnosis, Strong Spirit
In this empowering episode, Johanna from Dublin opens up about her unexpected following a rare breast cancer diagnosis. While enjoying a holiday, always mindful of her health and wearing factor 50 sunscreen head to toe, Johanna realised something was wrong. What followed was a life-changing diagnosis of breast cancer.
Johanna shares her treatment experience, including extensive chemotherapy and numerous medical appointments. She reflects on how grateful she is for the progress in research specific to her cancer type, highlighting how the outcome has significantly improved over the past five years.
The episode also features Garry Kelly shinning a light on the amazing work that is happening in breast cancer research with special guests Grainne McDonnell, Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Nurse along with Dr Roisin Dwyer, Associate Prof of Translational Science at NBCRI.
Join us on a moving conversation with Johanna about her breast cancer experience, offering hope and inspiration to others.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
12 Nov 2024
Ep 07 - Aoife’s Journey: Battling Breast Cancer at 30
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Aoife, a vibrant 30-year-old Galway native, who shares her deeply personal journey of battling breast cancer.
Diagnosed with breast cancer just a month after sitting her PhD, Aoife is now undergoing chemotherapy and facing a series of life-changing decisions.
Aoife opens up about how she first discovered the lump that changed everything, and the importance of paying attention to your body. The episode highlights an important message: breast cancer can happen to anyone, at any stage of life, and sometimes, something as simple as googling could make the difference between an early or late diagnosis. Aoife advises individuals not to compare themselves to others, as treatments, stages and cancer types can differ significantly.
Join us as Aoife shares her strength, insight and determination in the face of this challenge.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
5 Nov 2024
Ep 06 - Amanda’s Breast Cancer Story: The Good, The Bad and Everything in Between
In this insightful and powerful episode, Amanda opens up about her personal experience as part of a family with a strong history of breast cancer. Diagnosed in July 2018, Amanda shares her journey through the initial shock, the treatments, and the numerous medical appointments that followed.
Reflecting on the highs and lows over the past few years, Amanda offers insights into how she has navigated the challenges of living with breast cancer. From the good moments to the tough times, she discusses where she stands today and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Amanda as she shares her heartfelt story.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
29 Oct 2024
Ep 05 - Tara’s Fight: Navigating Breast Cancer and Family Plans
In this compelling episode, Tara from Cavan tells shares her personal battle with breast cancer, diagnosed at the young age of 36 – when she believed breast cancer was a concern later in life. After discovering a lump during a routine self-exam, she was shocked by the diagnosis but choose to stay positive. Tara discusses her experience with various treatments, including radiotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and lobectomy.
Tara opens up about the emotional impact of cancer, particularly the challenges it caused on her plans to start a family with her husband. With her story, Tara hopes to offer the support and guidance she once sought, sharing her unique experience of navigating infertility and cancer.
Join us as Tara shares an empowering story of resilience, offering insight to those facing similar challenges.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
22 Oct 2024
Ep 04 - Karen’s Story: Family, Fundraising and Fighting Cancer
In this heartwarming episode, Karen, a mother of three, opens up about her deeply personal story following her breast cancer diagnosis in early 2023. She walks us through the stages of her diagnosis including the many challenges she faced including physical injuries.
Karen highlights the incredible support she received from her family, especially her youngest son, who – together with his friends – organised a heartfelt fundraising campaign called ‘go blonde for blonde cancer’. With great exposure on social media platforms and help from the cancer research institute, their efforts gained widespread attention, raising valuable funds to support breast cancer research.
Join us for an inspiring conversation as Karen opens up about her resilience, the strength of family and the impact of community support in the fight against breast cancer.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
15 Oct 2024
Ep 03 - The Importance of Care and Clinical Trials: Rachel’s Empowering Breast Cancer Journey
In this insightful episode, Rachel shares her unexpected journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, despite feeling young, fit and healthy. As part of a clinical trial at the University Hospital in Galway under the care of Prof Michael Kerin, Rachel reflects on the wonderful care and monitoring she received over the years.
Rachel opens about the impact of loss in her family, revealing how it compounded her struggles during an already challenging time. Rachel expresses her passion for clinical trials, research and the advancements made in the field including targeted therapy. She believes it is crucial for the public to hear the positive outcomes through patients sharing their stories.
Join us on Rachel’s empowering journey as she offers a powerful perspective on the importance of research and care.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
8 Oct 2024
Ep 02 - Trusting Instincts: Tammy’s Reflection on Her Mother’s Breast Cancer Journey
In this deeply emotional episode, Tammy, a biomedical researcher from Dublin, shares the personal story of her late mother, Deirdre, who passed away from breast cancer three years ago. Tammy reflects on her mother’s journey, from routine mammograms to an unexpected stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, and the challenges Deirdre faced during treatment and clinical trials.
Tammy shares the highs and lows, from the impact of hair loss to the emotional lift her mother found in styling a wig. Tammy emphasises the importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for your health.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, love and the power of listening to your body.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
26 Sept 2024
Ep 01 - Resilience and Recovery from Breast Cancer: Aisling Keogh's Journey from Diagnosis to Healing
In our first episode of ‘Staying Abreast’, host Aileen Hickie interviews Aisling Keogh, a Galway native and former hockey umpire, about her journey with breast cancer. Diagnosed shortly after her wedding in January 2018, Aisling shares her life before the diagnosis, the importance of body awareness, and the challenges she faced during treatment. The conversation highlights the significance of early detection, family health history, and self-compassion. Aisling discusses her treatment experiences, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, and emphasises the need for a supportive network. The episode also features insights from Professor Michael Kerin, Director of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, on advancements in breast cancer research.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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