Dundalk mum Aine raising awareness of cervical cancer
DUNDALK Mum-of-two Aine Lawrence Mccormac will be talking about cervical cancer in Belle Tea Rooms, Blackrock tomorrow (Thursday) at 7 p.m.
The 30 year old has already featured on Ireland AM on TV3, TV3 News, and the Ray D'arcy Show on Today FM as part of her campaign to raise awareness about the illness.
Aine, whose cancer was at an advanced stage when she was diagnosed, wants to raise awareness of cervical cancer and encourage women to attend for smear tests.
Despite the high profile campaigns regarding breast cancer and, for men, prostate cancer in recent years, Aine says that cervical cancer still remains a somewhat taboo subject, getting little coverage in the national media.
As Cervical Cancer Awareness week approached at the end of January, Aine was dismayed at how little publicity there was about it and got in touch with Ireland AM and the Ray D'arcy Show to tell them about her cancer journey so far.
'I wanted to tell people my story and to give some information to listeners about the importance of going for smear tests.'
'Generally there are no symptoms to the disease until it is well advanced,' said Aine whose cancer was diagnosed in 2008. The following year she had a secondary diagnosis of lung and lymph node cancer.
'Women do feel embarrassed about talking about cervical cancer and going for smear tests but it's important to overcome that and to start looking after their health.'
She is hoping that there will be a good turnout at tomorrow evening's talk in Belles Tea Room, where tea and coffee will be provided for all those in attendance.
'Its absolutely free, but places are limited so if you want to pop along, please contact bellestearooms on facebook or call Michelle on (086) 2207123 to book your place.'
Aine also wants young cancer survivors or cancer carers to join the support group 'I've Got What?!' which she launched last year.
'It's very important that people have someone that they can talk to, someone who is going through the same thing that they are,' said Aine.
She can be contacted on 087 9555507.
