Sabina Higgins, the wife of President Michael D Higgins, has confirmed that she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
In a statement, Ms Higgins said she underwent a successful procedure this week.
She said she wanted to take the opportunity of her diagnosis "to call on all women to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and to seek checks as regularly as they can".
"The risk of breast cancer increases with age and that 36% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland are over the age of 70," she said.
Ms Higgins urged all women over 70 to continue to look for any potential symptoms of breast cancer and seek medical checks when possible.
Áras an Uachtaráin can confirm that Sabina Higgins yesterday underwent a successful procedure as part of ongoing treatment which she is receiving for breast cancer. pic.twitter.com/iVx820rzM9
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 9, 2023
