By Norma Deasy, Communications Manager, National Screening Service
We worked with charity Breakthrough Cancer Research on their exhibition: Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope. This free, exhibition tells the story of cancer – from the earliest records to today’s most lifesaving treatments. It also shows what tomorrow’s breakthroughs could bring.
We worked with three of our Patient and Public Partnership representatives to co-develop and share their inspiring personal stories. In the exhibition, they share objects that remind them of their experiences taking part in our cancer screening programmes.
Dympna’s story
Dympna Cremin was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, aged 63, after a screening mammogram with BreastCheck.
Recounting her story, Dympna said: “I had 23 sessions of radiotherapy, so I got a little jar and I put 23 chocolate eggs inside. Every day I came home and sat down with a cup of coffee and a chocolate egg. And the day I took the last one was the best one.
“I am very grateful my breast cancer was found early. I attribute that to BreastCheck. The surgeon confirmed that there was no way I would have felt it or found it myself. I'm very lucky BreastCheck saved my life.”
The glass jar and eggs (that Dympna didn’t eat) are included in the exhibition.
Alejandra’s story
Alejandra Diaz was diagnosed with pre-cancerous abnormal cervical cells in 2020, aged 26.
Describing her experience, Alejandra said: “The HSE took my hand and guided me through tests and treatment after abnormal cells were found following a CervicalCheck HPV screen. There was a continuous flow of ‘here's what's next and here's what to do’, from the staff. I trusted that CervicalCheck would do what needed to be done if they found anything abnormal in my results. It was a good thing that they found it and did what had to be done.
“I took up meditation and yoga practices again and they have helped my mental health recovery. The sounds of the Tibetan singing bowls are very soothing.”
The Tibetan singing bowls are part of the exhibition.
Mary’s story
Mary Kennedy was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023, aged 61.
Mary recalls when she did her first bowel screen home test and a follow-up colonoscopy, and was told she had cancer: “That was a real shock to me, a lot to take in. I had absolutely no symptoms. I was enjoying my retirement, keeping fit and active and loving time spent in my garden.
“Following surgery, even though I had cancer, I felt so lucky it was caught so early. If I had not taken part in screening the cancer might have been found at a more advanced stage and treatment would be more difficult.
“That's why I want to shout it from the rooftops and tell everyone to do it because it is so worth it.”
Mary’s gloves and secateurs are on display at the exhibition.
Speaking from the official opening of the exhibition, our Chief Executive, Fiona Murphy, said, “The exhibition highlights the life-saving work of our three national cancer screening programmes - BowelScreen, BreastCheck and CervicalCheck - in preventing and finding signs of cancer. It also highlights Ireland’s plan to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. We’re grateful to our Patient and Public Partnership representatives for sharing their stories, inspiring more people to choose screening.”
This free exhibition opens on 15 August at Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Dublin. It runs until 31 October. It’s designed for everyone from history lovers and STEM students to healthcare professionals, families, and anyone curious about the progress and future of cancer care.