Kilkenny cancer survivor encourages others to attend upcoming free event

A Kilkenny cancer survivor is encouraging people to attend a free upcoming event for cancer patients, survivors and volunteers to come together at a local level to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Delma Butler, from Kilkenny, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Shortly after finishing her cancer treatment in 2022, she had a breast cancer reoccurrence and underwent chemotherapy and a double mastectomy and is now doing well. She’s encouraging people in her community affected by cancer to attend the gathering. 

“I think it’s a great opportunity to meet people in the community and listen to how cancer has affected their lives, and what support and sources they found helped them during and after their cancer journey,” said Delma.

“It will be a great way to get informed about what support is available to us during treatment and once treatment is finished. I am particularly interested in the talk on nutrition as this is where I am struggling myself at the moment with sugar cravings. It looks to be a great day for all.” 

The Irish Cancer Society’s Patient and Volunteer Gathering Kilkenny is taking place on Thursday, February 13, at the Hotel Kilkenny, College Road. The gathering will also bring together a wide range of speakers who will highlight the supports available in the community and share their expert knowledge on living well through and beyond a cancer diagnosis. 

Katie Johnston, Research Dietitian at University College Cork will discuss diet and nutrition during and after a cancer diagnosis and will provide practical tips for people living with and beyond cancer. 

Catherine O’Brien, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Cancer Survivorship at St James’s Hospital, will focus on coping with the fear of cancer coming back after treatment, and will give practical tips to help with this. 

Louise Kelly, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Sexual Health, Menopause and Fertility with the newly established ICS/TSJCI Young Onset Cancer Programme at St James’s Hospital, will provide information about sex and sexuality while dealing with cancer, including side-effects from treatment and the impact of cancer on relationships and how to navigate these concerns. 

Looking ahead to the gathering and encouraging people to register for free, Amy Nolan, Director of Clinical Services at the Irish Cancer Society said: “Each year in Ireland, an estimated 44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer and over 200,000 people in Ireland are currently living with and beyond cancer. As these numbers grow, we want to be there to tell each and every individual and family impacted by a cancer diagnosis that you are not alone. There is a vibrant and active community here in Ireland willing to share and discuss their personal experience, and the Irish Cancer Society is here to provide support.” 

“The gathering, which runs from 10am through to 3.30pm, is completely free to register and attend. You will have the opportunity to meet specialised, expert cancer healthcare professionals who will present and discuss areas of concern for cancer patients. We encourage anybody affected by a cancer diagnosis, whether you are a patient and well enough to join us, or you are a survivor, a carer or a loved one of somebody, come along and meet people and make use of the supports and services that are there for you.”  

To register for the Irish Cancer Society’s Patient and Volunteer Gathering Kilkenny, please visit: Eventbrite  

The event is supported by Novartis. For confidential advice, support and information on any cancer issue, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800-200700.
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