A Kerry woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 21 said it was a "huge shock" to find out that she had an aggressive form of the disease at such a young age.
Lauren Barrett, who is from Tralee, found a lump on her left breast at the end of April in 2021.
Her mother had ovarian cancer and also is a BRACA1 mutation carrier, an increased genetic risk for breast cancer. Ms Barrett said she knew that given this information, she had to get checked.
She was diagnosed in June 2021, with stage three negative invasive ductal carcinoma.
"To be told I had such an aggressive form of breast cancer at only 21 was a huge shock. I was then told I too was a BRCA1 mutation carrier," she said.
She added: "It is also quite uncommon for someone to be diagnosed with breast cancer at only 21 years old which meant there weren't many people that I could relate to, which is why I think it is so important to share my story.
"It was definitely tough having to take a year out from college, losing my hair and all the things that come with being unwell."
She underwent surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatment and described the ten months of treatment as a "whirlwind". This all took place during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms Barrett is now 24 and has finished her treatment. She campaigns to raise awareness.
She graduated in neuroscience with first class honours and is currently doing a PhD in Parkinson's research at University College Cork.
Concern over rising numbers of young women diagnosed with breast cancer
Today is World Cancer Day, and Breast Cancer Ireland has said the steady increase in the number of young women being diagnosed with breast cancer is a serious concern.
For those aged 20-49 years, it said numbers increased from 677 a year in 2013, to 853 by the end of 2022. The data is from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland
The charity also said that survival rates have risen to 88%, with mortality rates decreasing 2% a year.
Breast Cancer Ireland CEO Aisling Hurley said the figures highlight the importance of education and awareness to ensure earlier detection.
She said that in recent months the charity had seen rising numbers of women, many in their 20s and 30s, seeking support and eager to share their stories to educate people.
BCI said it has raised €34.5 million since 2012 allowing for significant progress in breast cancer research, treatments and personalised patient care.
Around 3,700 people are diagnosed with breast cancer and around 730 die from it each year.
