A Dublin woman battling cervical cancer has urged the public to support cancer patient services as part of Daffodil Day.
Mum-of-two Rachel Mallon, 34, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in June 2021 after a routine smear test showed abnormal cells and HPV.
The Balbriggan woman had to undergo surgery but thankfully was able to return to work in November last year with no further treatment needed.
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She said: "I have good days where I feel like my old self and other days when I'm just exhausted for no reason.
"It’s been a huge rollercoaster but I am so glad to be here and have the outcome I did. Smear tests are so important.
"I know of 10 of my friends who hadn’t had their smear and it’s only because of what happened to me that they’ve since booked their tests."
Rachel said that one of the things that helped break the news of her diagnoses to her young daughters, ages 7 and 5, was the Irish Cancer Society booklets.
She added: "There isn't a family in Ireland that hasn't been affected by cancer in one way or another.
"The Irish Cancer Society is so important for everyone affected by cancer.
"Some people may have a great support network but they also need the information, facts and advice that the Society provides.
"Some people may be very alone with few family or friends and they rely on the Irish Cancer Society for support."
As Daffodil Day is on the horizon, the public has been urged to donate vital funds to the Irish Cancer Society to support anyone affected by cancer.
As well as donating at Cancer.ie and volunteering to help fundraise, you can purchase items from the Daffodil Day online shop and take part in a steps challenge.
Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: "Daffodil Day is our most important fundraising event of the year and the money raised goes directly to funding crucial supports including our Support Line, free counselling, our Night Nurses to provide end of life care, and financial support for families of children affected by cancer.
"Along with these services, the money raised on Daffodil Day allows us to support life-changing cancer research."
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