Anne Murphy at home in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly
Tulla woman’s appeal after late sister’s diagnosis delay
May 7, 2021
A SURVIVOR of ovarian cancer has paid tribute to her late sister on what would have been her 50th birthday. Anne Murphy, a nurse from Tulla, is also urging other women to be aware of the symptoms, as World Ovarian Cancer Day is marked on Saturday.
While Anne’s cancer was found early, her sister Gráinne was at stage four when her condition was diagnosed. “Tragically, Gráinne passed away before her 42nd birthday,” said Anne.
“She had been attending various doctors for two years and when she was finally diagnosed, her cancer was terminal. Ovarian cancer presents with symptoms that are often put down to other conditions, from endometriosis to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Gráinne had had a baby six months previously and she was told her symptoms were connected to pregnancy.”