A campaign by AstraZeneca and supported by the Marie Keating Foundation, Living Loudly. Dying to be Heard: Perspectives on Advanced Breast Cancer is coming to one of Dublin’s premier shopping destinations Dundrum Town Centre, on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the unique experiences of those living with advanced breast cancer can sometimes be overlooked. This photographic exhibition aims to change that. Featuring eight women across Ireland, the exhibition shines a light on the realities of living with advanced breast cancer, sharing stories of strength, uncertainty, hope, resilience, and determination in the face of life-changing challenges.
North Clare based mum Barbara King was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attending appointments alone during lockdown, she faced additional shock when a surgeon indicated she would be sent to palliative care rather than having surgery. However, an oncologist’s reassurance that day helped ease her initial panic. Six years on, Barbara remains focused on living her life alongside cancer, advocating passionately for systemic change.
One of the positive influences in Barbara’s journey has been connecting with other women through the Marie Keating Foundation’s Positive Living group, where shared understanding sustains her with the friendships offering understanding, honesty and companionship in a way that even the most caring family members sometimes can’t.
Six years on from her diagnosis, Barbara remains focused on living her life alongside cancer but acknowledges changes are needed saying:
“Changes were made to my treatment without explanation. Treatment plans evolved without prior discussion. When my oncologist left, I wasn’t told until I was walking in to see them. When explanations were eventually provided, they made sense and were reasonable. But I needed to be included in those conversations from the start.”
Speaking about the campaign, Nicola Fullam, Head of Corporate Affairs as AstraZeneca said: “We are proud to launch an exhibition that gives voice to the often-overlooked realities of advanced breast cancer and celebrates the strength, experiences and perspectives of the women living with it. With the valued support of the Marie Keating Foundation, this campaign amplifies the experiences of eight women.
Their stories shine a light on the need for change in how the healthcare system supports people living with advanced breast cancer. They also highlight the importance of ensuring that their voices and experiences are included in conversations about breast cancer and in shaping the future of breast cancer care in Ireland.”
Director of Nursing Services at the Marie Keating Foundation, Helen Forristal, said: “At the Marie Keating Foundation we provide a free support group called Positive Living for people living with advanced cancer, and frequently this community can feel invisible and unacknowledged particularly during the month of October, breast cancer awareness month. This campaign gives them the chance to be heard.
It is also an important way to help reshape perceptions and deepen understanding of what it means to live with Advanced Breast Cancer and crucially it does this by putting the women’s voices and needs at the centre of the conversation. We know there is much that needs to be done to improve the system in how it treats and cares for those living with advanced cancer and being acknowledged and heard is an important first step in addressing those needs.”
Entry is free. The exhibition is located on Level 1, outside Brown Thomas, Dundrum Town Centre. For further information and support visit mariekeating.ie