When Lauren Barrett, a student studying neuroscience in UCC, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2021 at the age of 21, she was told she was "too young to be an urgent case".

The young woman, who is originally from Co. Kerry but currently living in Cork, shared that she found it very difficult to get her head around everything that was happening following her diagnosis and later with her treatment.

Just a month after getting her diagnosis, Lauren started five months of chemotherapy treatment, followed by a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery due to the confirmation of the BRCA gene mutation.

READ MORE: I have months to live - but my terminal breast cancer saved my brother’s life

Sharing how the diagnosis affected her relationship with her loved ones Lauren said: "It can be a difficult time for family and friends as they’re unsure of how to act or what to say when they’re around you. But I wanted them to tell me everything they were doing as I wanted to be part of their lives."

Lauren refused to let her diagnosis hold her back from living her life to the full, and she didn't want it to hold her family back from sharing their lives with her either.

Speaking about how she dealt with her diagnosis on a personal level, Lauren said that the main tool for coping with was a positive outlook on life and recovery, and avoiding the dingy medical advice that you might find on the depths of the internet:

“I had moments when I felt really down about what was happening, but my family was a tremendous support. Most of the time, though, I tried to stay positive, and I think that really helped. I also stayed away from Google! Sometimes we can get bogged down in too much information and that can make the situation worse.”

The student told of how she didn't want her illness to define her as a person, and made an active effort to keep doing the things she enjoyed doing when she felt up to the task, and meeting up with friends and family.

Lauren, who is originally from Co. Kerry but living in Cork City, is 24 now and has started a PhD in neuroscience with a particular focus on Parkinson’s Disease.

She has taken part in a number of runs and marathons to raise awareness for breast cancer, such as The Great Pink Run and 100 Km in 30 Days.

Talking about how she feels now looking back on the time when she learned of her diagnosis, Lauren shared that she is happy that she followed her gut instinct when it was telling her that something was wrong:

“I’m so delighted that I didn’t give up when I was told I was too young to be considered an urgent case. I knew deep down that something was wrong. Getting the diagnosis saved my life and I am now fully recovered. I try not to think about it ever coming back. I just like to get on with the things I enjoy as best I can."

The young women is now able to continue with the things that bring her joy in life, and has made a return to her beloved sport of Gaelic football.

Lauren highlighted the importance of making sure you get yourself checked if you ever feel like something is not right with your body, encouraging women to learn the right way to do a breast check on yourself, and carrying them out on a regular basis:

“I would really encourage women of all ages to do a regular breast check. If anyone does find a lump or anything out of the ordinary, then it’s crucial that they go to their GP as soon as possible. In a lot of cases the lump may be benign, but I can’t stress enough the importance of getting it checked out.”

Lauren partnered with CarePlus Pharmacy as part of their campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, doing a live on the pharmacies Instagram page to spread awareness of the need to carry out breast checks, and always remain vigilant to the signs your body is giving you about your health.

"CarePlus Pharmacy have really helpful tips on how to do a breast check on their website and social media" the student shared.

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