'Be breast aware, know your own normal’ - Costello marks World Cancer Day
Published on: 04 February 2026
Fianna Fáil Senator Teresa Costello has marked World Cancer Day by urging women and men across Ireland to be breast aware and to know their own normal - a message she delivers not only as a public representative, but as a breast cancer survivor herself.
Speaking on the Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words podcast this week, Senator Costello was joined by fellow breast cancer survivor Nicola Guirenne and Aisling Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Breast Cancer Ireland. Together, the three women shared powerful personal insights and expert perspectives on the realities of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and the urgent need for greater awareness — particularly among younger people.
During the discussion, Nicola Guirenne reflected on the lifelong impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, describing it as something that “stays with you for the rest of your life.”
“It’s been 12 or 13 years now since my diagnosis at 28. I had three young children. But last January I actually decided I was going to take back control for me. Being a parent, a mother or a wife, it’s very easy to lose yourself, especially after cancer. Although I know I am very fortunate, I felt I had lost myself after my diagnosis.”
The conversation highlighted stark and sobering statistics. 1 in 7 women in Ireland will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, while 1 in 738 men will also receive a diagnosis. Crucially, 24% of breast cancer diagnoses occur in people under the age of 50 - a figure all three speakers described as far too high.
Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, stressed that while progress has been made, rising diagnoses among younger women are a growing concern.
“Whilst there are undoubtedly significant reasons for hope as we look at the long list of achievements and clinical breakthroughs in relation to breast cancer treatment to date - the increasing number of younger women presenting with symptoms remains deeply worrying and once again highlights the importance of education & awareness to ensure earlier detection.
“In recent months, we are seeing rising numbers of women (many in their twenties and thirties) contacting us for support and eagerness to share their story of diagnoses at a shockingly young age. Sadly, breast cancer doesn’t discriminate and can affect women (and men!) of all ages. We are urging this younger cohort to please ensure that they self-check regularly, advocate for themselves if they find an abnormality, and are hyper aware of all 8 signs and symptoms this World Cancer Day and into the future”
Ms. Hurley emphasised the human reality behind the numbers.
“Behind every single statistic is a life impacted. We are committed to funding innovative research, improving treatment options, and equipping people with the knowledge they need to detect cancer early. We are very much in this fight together – our goal is to be the generation that ends breast cancer for good.”
A clear and unified message emerged from Senator Costello, Nicola Guirenne and Aisling Hurley - the need for automatic triple assessment for young women who present with breast cancer symptoms, and the importance of empowering people to recognise changes in their own bodies.
Concluding the discussion, they issued a strong call to action this World Cancer Day:
“This World Cancer Day, we would encourage all men and women to do a breast check. Know your own normal. Early detection will save lives.”
ENDS
The Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words podcast episode on 'Speaking up on Breast Cancer: Survival, Stigma and Science can be found by clicking here: Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words
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Teresa Costello
