This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
Dr Liz O'Riordan: The Breast Cancer Surgeon Who Got Breast Cancer ¶
Published on November 1, 2019
Dr Liz O'Riordan's life took a dramatic turn in 2015 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease she had spent years treating as a surgeon.
At the time, O'Riordan had been practicing for over 15 years and had gained a reputation for her successful surgeries. However, her diagnosis marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one that would force her to confront the harsh realities of cancer and its impact on her career and personal life.
As a breast cancer surgeon, O'Riordan was expected to be the one giving hope to her patients, not the one receiving a cancer diagnosis. The emotional toll of her diagnosis was immense, and she struggled to come to terms with the fact that she had to undergo a mastectomy and ovary extraction to remove the cancer.
‘’Like many women, I did not check my breasts. I thought, 'it's not going to happen to me - I'm a breast cancer surgeon'.’’ O'Riordan told BBC News.
Despite her initial denial, O'Riordan eventually broke the news to her patients and family through social media, receiving an outpouring of support. However, the cancer returned in 2018, and O'Riordan was forced to end her career as a surgeon four months later.
However, O'Riordan has not let her diagnosis define her. Instead, she has used her experience to become a motivational speaker, giving hope to those who are going through similar circumstances. She has also learned valuable lessons about the importance of being physically active and exercising, as well as the need for equal attention to all cancers, regardless of their stage.
Today, O'Riordan remains an inspiration to many, continuing to find herself and give hope to millions through her book, talks, blogging, and her work as an ambassador for Working with Cancer, a social enterprise she volunteers for.
