A Fermanagh woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 is urging everyone to be vigilant to signs of breast cancer.

Frances Rooney (42) from Enniskillen, a wife to Timmy and a mother of three – Shay (13), Róise (10) and Aibreán (6) – held a successful fundraiser last month.

However, for Frances, the key aim was to raise more awareness of breast cancer, its signs, and symptoms.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Frances said: “It felt important to raise awareness, not just money, which is important, yes, but awareness is important.

“I was diagnosed at 40 – I could not believe that I had this cancer. I am sure everybody who has had cancer cannot believe it [when they get the diagnosis].

“From talking to my friends, a lot of people might think ‘That won’t happen to me’, or that cancer does not happen until you’re older because the NHS screening is at 50.

“But I have made friends with girls who are younger than me who have cancer.

“Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, but that doesn’t make it any less serious. There is no ‘good’ type of cancer; early detection is so imperative to your survival chances.”

She added: “This is about women’s lives – and men’s lives, who obviously get cancer too – this is all ultimately about your life.”

Encouraging people to check regularly, Frances said: “You don’t want people to be hypervigilant, but people need to be vigilant.

“The reason we wanted to do it [fundraising] in the more public way to raise awareness. Obviously, the family business [The Rooney group] was a way to get the message out to more people; I am hoping we can do something [further fundraising] next year.”

Frances referenced others in the county who are living with a cancer diagnosis. She said: “I have a friend who was diagnosed at 28. These are people who are living in Fermanagh; they aren’t living far, far away in England or in Europe.

“It’s happening every day here, I will not be the first nor the last [ to be diagnosed with cancer].”

Signposting further supports, Frances said: “It’s important to check out the charities, like the Action Cancer Big Bus, they do mammogram screening and health checks.

“Obviously, go to your GP if you have any concerns about changes in your body, as it not always a lump [that suggests you might have cancer].

“I would urge women to check and practice vigilance.”

A ‘Wear It Pink’ day was held across the Rooney businesses as well as a raffle with presents donated by other local businesses.

She continued: “My husband’s family [the Rooneys] are community people, and like to give back to people, but the community gave back to us that day. They really supported us – it was emotional, and very overwhelming. People were coming in on one errand or coming just to talk to me [and donating]. It was lovely.

“A lot of people came into the shop and shared their stories of how they were affected by cancer.”

All monies raised will be split equally between Enniskillen-based charity SWELL (Supported We Live Life), and Breast Cancer Now, a charity which supports those living with cancer and contributes toward cancer research.

Grateful for what both charities do to support those impacted by cancer, Frances detailed some of her experience with SWELL.

She said: “I started yoga with SWELL in September and they were a group I didn’t know a lot about. You are part of a club that you don’t want to be a member of [with a cancer diagnosis], but when I was ready I went and did yoga [with SWELL].

“They have so much to offer people, and families who have been affected by cancer.”

After a difficult few years, Frances is now in recovery, and is doing well. She said: “I rang the bell [completed my treatment] in July after going to the Sperrin Suite in Altnagelvin every three weeks for 18 months.

“With difficult experiences, good things can come out of them. The fundraiser was a good thing to do, and it helped transform the trauma of the cancer into something good.”