A Co Monaghan woman is on a mission to raise more awareness around women's health. To mark the start of "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" which begins tomorrow on the 1st of October, local woman Michelle Kelly is encouraging women to prioritise their health and "check themselves." As part of her campaign, Michelle also unveiled a new banner which is located at the bottom of Glaslough Street with the wording "care for your pair." The banner is also decorated in bra's from local women who have been impacted by breast cancer at some point in their lives., with Michelle highlighting that "behind every bra is a story."
The mum--of-three's cancer journey started back in April 2022. Though Michelle was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease, she says early detection saved her life. Now, Michelle is encouraging other women to be "pro-active" with their health by checking their breasts at least once a month. With one in every seven women diagnosed with the disease every year, Michelle believes early detection can be a matter of "life or death" for many, including herself.
"The statistics are there, when you think of every office, staff room, friend group, every group of mothers standing at the side of the football pitch every week, one in seven will be impacted by breast cancer - that's just crazy," she explained. "Especially for young girls and women, it's important to teach them to look after themselves and to not be afraid of talking about it, and if they did find something to not be afraid of going to your GP or seeking help."
