Live events and online resources:

 

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Seminar Recording 2025

Monday 13th October 2025 was our Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2025 Seminar. This year’s event was held at the Springfield hotel in Leixslip. This seminar focused on “Living with Uncertainty”, bringing together patients, families, advocates and medical professionals to discuss the challenges, unmet needs, experiences and support of those with a metastatic breast cancer. A day of connection, empowerment and call to action. Our Positive Living community played a huge role in informing and developing this year’s seminar and their input shone. Thank you so much to all of our speakers and contributors and to our sponsors including Astra Zeneca, MSD, Novartis. Part one contains Introduction to MBC Seminar 2025 – Helen Forristal Marie Keating Foundation. Overview of Living with Cancer Services Ireland – Clare Leatham, Cancer Survivorship Project Manager , NCCP Living with Uncertainty – Helen Forristal Marie Keating Foundation “20 years on” Frances & John Cuddihy with Helen Forristal. Part 2 features: Living with Uncertainty – Helen Forristal Marie Keating Foundation “20 years on” Frances & John Cuddihy with Helen Forristal “ Taking Our MBC Survey Recommendations forward- Our Patient Perspective” Introduction to the Four Corners, Eimear O’ Flynn, Patient Advocacy, PPI Fireside chat with Dr Michael McCarthy & Siobhan Gaynor Liz Yeates, CEO, Marie Keating Foundation, Thank you.

Session one 

Session two

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Seminar Recording 2024 

Annual Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day To increase awareness of advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC), the Marie Keating Foundation invited people and their families affected by MBC to a free seminar on October 11th at the Richmond Building – No 1 North Brunswick Street D07 TH76 “Live your Best, Prepare for the Rest” Agenda 1100-1110 Introduction to MBC Seminar 2024 – Helen Forristal MKF 1110- 1120 Overview of Living with Cancer Services Ireland –Louise Mullen, NCCP 1120-1200 MBC – Latest updates from ASCO/ESMO/Guidelines/Clinical Trials – Professor Seamus O’ Reilly, Medical Oncologist, Cork University Hospital 1200-1250 – “ Our Irish MBC Survey results and next steps” Siobhan Gaynor, Patient Advocacy, PPI 1250 -1300 Q&A for morning sessions 1315-1400 What Palliative Care really means- Mary Jane O’ Leary, Consultant in Palliative Care, Marymount 1400-1440 The importance of Exercise in MBC –Dr Noel McCaffrey Exwell Programme 1440-1445 Closing – Liz Yeates, CEO, MKF

Session one 

Session two 

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Seminar Recording 2023

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day: “No Borders, No Boundaries, No Barriers, Let’s Talk MBC” To increase awareness of advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC), the Marie Keating Foundation invited people and their families affected by MBC to a free seminar/ webinar on October 13th in Mount Congreve Gardens, Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford, X91 PX05 This video includes all speakers on the day. Learn about: o Metastatic Breast Cancer Opportunities and Challenges o A patient’s perspective Keynote Speakers included Louise Mullen, lead in cancer survivorship NCCP Patient Involvement, Dr Miriam O’Connor Consultant Medical Oncologist at Waterford University Hospital, Patient Involvement and members of Marie Keating Foundation’s Positive Living Group, Siobhan Gaynor and Ann McBrien and Ada Kinneally Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Waterford University Hospital. Proudly supported by Pfizer and MSD

Watch here 

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Seminar Recording 2022

The Marie Keating Foundation and Europa Donna Ireland invite people affected by MBC to a free seminar and afternoon tea Held Friday October 14th in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin Airport. Learn about: Metastatic Breast Cancer Opportunities and Challenges Clinical Trials A Patient's Perspective Speakers include: Session 1 Consultant Medical Oncologist Professor Seamus O’ Reilly. Siobhan Gaynor, Clinical Trials Ireland Patient Involvement and member of Marie Keating Foundation's Positive Living. Session 2 Olivia Mc Loughlin from Clinical Trials Ireland

Session one

Session two

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Webinar 2021:

After a year like no other, experts in the field of metastatic breast cancer, as well as a panel of peers affected by the disease came together to mark MBC Awareness Day on the 13th October, and reflect on a challenging year, and the state of Metastatic Breast Cancer In Ireland. To watch a full recording of the day's events, click here. 

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Webinar 2020:

In an effort to keep those most at risk from the spread of COVID-19, we made the decision, alongside Europa Donna Ireland and our sponsors Pfizer to adapt our annual Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day seminar to a digital format so that women across Ireland and the UK could dial in and be a part of what is always a fantastic afternoon, from the safety of their homes. 2020's webinar included incredible guests like the Secondary Sisters, Laura and Nick, journalist Sarah Carey, MBC advocates sharing their experience and many more incredible voices from the MBC field. You can view a full recording of the day's events and share in the experience of the day by clicking here.

BRCA Seminar 2026 Recordings 

The Marie Keating Foundation’s 9th annual BRCA seminar took place in the Springfield Hotel, Leixlip Co. Kildare on 15th May 2026. We were once again privileged to host a phenomenal line up of guest speakers on the day.

  • Bernie Carter, Manager of BRCA services for the Marie Keating Foundation.
  • Hereditary Cancer Model of Care - Dr Breeda Neville, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP)
  • Breast Reconstruction – Ms Caitriona Lawlor, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, St Vincent’s Private Hospital
  • What does the future hold! – Cancer Geneticist and Medical Oncologist, St. James’s Hospital (SJH) & Clinical Associate Professor, Trinity College Dublin
  • Menopause management from a medical and non-medical approach – BMS accredited menopause specialist and senior sexual health doctor with the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) in Tallaght.
  • Psychological well-being and hereditary cancer risk: what the evidence tells us - and what to do with it- Dr Louise O’Driscoll, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead in Psycho-oncology in St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin & Dr Kristina Cahill Senior Clinical Psychologist St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin

Also speaking but not included in the recording

Sinéad Murtagh, Psychotherapist & Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, in conversation with BRCA Peer Support

Many thanks to our incredible peers.

Video one 

Video two 

BRCA Seminar 2025 Recordings

The 2025 Marie Keating Foundation BRCA Seminar hosted in the Springfield Hotel, Leixslip, Co.Kildare on May 9th 2025 We were privileged to host an incredible line up of guest speakers on the day. Please see below agenda for the day. 10.00 – 10.05 Welcome and facilitation – Bernie Carter, Manager of BRCA services 10.05 – 10.20 Hereditary Cancer Model of Care – NCCP – Dr Caitríona McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, NCCP. 10.20 – 10.45 BRCA overview – Michael Farrell, CNS Cancer Genetics Mater Private Hospital 10.45 – 11.15 Fertility, PGT and BRCA – Dr. Ahmed Omar, Beacon Care Fertility 11.45 – 12.10 Menopause management from a holistic aspect – Dr Samantha Cushen, Lecturer in Human Nutrition and Dietetics University College Cork 12.10 – 12.40 Breast Reconstruction – focus on implant reconstruction and DIEP flap – Mr. Jamie Martin-Smith, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Beaumont Hospital and Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown & Introduction to ‘Show & Tell’ (12.45 – 14.10) 12.40 – 13.00 Q&A with morning speakers Afternoon session - please see our second recording 14.00 – 14.15 Introduction to the Marie Keating Foundation BRCA services and introduce the 9 BRCA Peer (P2P) Support Volunteers 14.15 – 14.45 Carol Spillane, Advance Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Breast Care Department, St. James’s hospital in conversation with BRCA Peer Support Volunteers – Jean & Majella regarding their experience of having Risk Reducing Breast surgery 14.45 – 14.50 Closing remarks Liz Yeates, CEO, Marie Keating Foundation 14.50 – 15.00 Relaxation with Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing Services, Marie Keating Foundation Thank you to AstraZeneca and MSD for their support.

Morning Session

Afternoon Session

2024 BRCA Conference Recording 

7th Annual BRCA Conference "BRCA in the Horizon"

Session one 

Session two 

2023 BRCA Conference Recording 

“BRCA in the eye of the beholder” was kindly supported by Astra Zeneca and MSD ‘This year we are focusing on Communication & Research into BRCA. Communicating with your Health Care Professional, your family and children. Research will focus on what can we expect for our children in the future in relation to BRCA’ Communicating with your Health Care Professional and with your family with an emphasis on talking to your children. Guest speakers inc: Eoin Hanney, Registered Genetic Counsellor Dr Caitríona McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, NCCP Dr. Terri McVeigh, Consultant Clinical Geneticist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Carol Spillane, Advanced Nurse Practitioner St James Hospital, Sarah McGarrigle, Scientist and Cancer Researcher, Trinity College Dublin , Yvonne Hanhauser Advanced Nurse Practitioner St. James Hospital, Dublin. Dr. Karen Cadoo, Cancer Geneticist and Medical Oncologist, St. James’s Hospital

Session one 

Session two

Session three

2022 BRCA Conference Recording

On the 29th April, the Marie Keating Foundation, supported by Astra Zeneca and MSD hosted its first in-person BRCA conference in over two years, with this years theme being Engaging with BRCA in a Family Way. Including presentations, information sessions and a Q&A from attendees both in the room and online, this years webinar was one of our best yet. To watch a full recording of the day's event, click here.

2021 BRCA Conference (Webinar)

In April 2021, the Marie Keating Foundation, with the help of their sponsors MSD and Astra Zeneca once again hosted their annual BRCA Conference. With guest speakers such as Pauline Robinson from the NCCP, Genetic Counsellors Eoin Hanney and Jessica Kavanagh, and BRCA Carrier and breast cancer survivor Lisa McElwaine, the 3-hour session was a huge success. To view the morning's presentation back in full, click here. Unanswered questions from the day's events are currently under review and will be available to view shortly.

2020 BRCA Convention (Webinar):

As a result of COVID-19, this year we were unable to provide our annual BRCA conference in person. However, this set back gave us the opportunity to transition our meeting into an online forum, where BRCA positive men and women could log in, and find a community of other on a similar BRCA journey. Our panel of experts gave insightful and informative presentations on the day, while also answering many of those in attendance's FAQ's after the event, to ensure everyone received the support and information they required. To read all of these FAQ's and view a full recording of our BRCA webinar, click here.

 

Corporate Wellness Webinars

Our virtual webinars provide the same professional service delivered by an oncology nurse but they can now be enjoyed by teams from the safety and comfort of their homes. Just like our face to face programme, you can tailor your webinar to topics that best suit your organisation’s needs and webinar lengths can vary depending on your requirements. If you would like to book a corporate wellness webinar for your company please click here

Irish Cancer Prevention Network Resources

The 2026 Irish Cancer Prevention Network World Cancer Day Webinar - “Small Steps, Big Impact: Physical Activity for Cancer Risk Reduction”.

A video of the event is available if you missed it on the day, wish to watch it back here https://youtu.be/Tf6rR3AVXxE

You can watch the individual talks clicking on the links below:

  • Prof Niall Moyna, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in the School of Health and Human Performance, DCU on how physical activity reduces cancer risk – what the evidence shows. Click here to watch back.
  • Dr Emer Guinan, Associate Professor in Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship, Trinity College Dublin on practical lifestyle guidance on easy ways to add movement at home, work or in the community and where to start. Click here to watch back.
  • Janette Boran, Healthy Kilkenny Coordinator, Kilkenny County Council on easy ways to add movement into everyday life including an overview of UcanACT project which focuses on the built environment in terms of physical activity. Click here to watch back.
  • Dr Patricia Sheehan, Lecturer, Department of Sport and Exercise Science, SETU on the importance of physical activity for everyone across the cancer spectrum and an overview of the ExWell Programme which is delivered in community settings which is safe, supervised, supportive and really enjoyable because of the rich social interaction of group classes. Click here to watch back. Click here to watch back.

For more information, please see links below:

Physical activity resources and supports

Irish Cancer Prevention Network

Irish Cancer Prevention Network member’s webpages

HSE National Cancer Control Programme Cancer Prevention

HSE National Screening Service https://www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/nss/

Breakthrough Cancer Research https://breakthroughcancerresearch.ie/

Marie Keating Foundation https://mariekeating.ie/

Irish Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ie/

Cancer survivorship

  • NCCP Directory of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services (attached)

Support Groups:

Positive Living:
For people living with a metastatic cancer diagnosis is primarily an online group with 3 in person events annually. These groups provide people living with metastatic cancer the opportunity to connect and receive support from women on a similar journey, while also receiving expert advice from guest speakers. To learn more about our programme and join our community, click here.

Survive and Thrive:
Over the years the  Foundation's Survive and Thrive programme has helped hundreds of cancer survivors transition and adapt to life after cancer. This free six-week workshop programme includes advice from nurses, as well as peer to peer advice from other survivors on issues that cancer survivors often face including: coping with emotions; fatigue and other symptoms; changing nutritional needs; coping with feelings and change; managing stress and physical activity.  To sign up for our upcoming programme, click here.

BRCA Online Support Group:
Coping with a positive BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 diagnosis can be a difficult and lonely road, but it is important to understand that you are not alone. After the fantastic response to our online BRCA Conference, we are delighted to now offer an online BRCA support group for men and women living with a BRCA positive diagnosis. Each month, we host evening session for participants and create a safe space for everyone to express what they're going through, any questions or issues they may have in a space where people understand. Fascialiated by a member of our MKF nursing team and a member of our BRCA Peer To Peer support network, we are delighted to welcome anyone on a BRCA journey to our group. To sign up for our next meeting, please click here. ]

Online Wellness Webinars:

Carer's Webinar Series: Our free, four-part webinar series, focusing on issues faced by those caring for a loved one living with cancer begins on the 9th of September and is open to all. Hosted by Clinical Psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy, these webinars will concentrate on topics such as acknowledging the experience of caring for someone with cancer in times of COVID, preserving the self, recognising compassion, fatigue & building resilience- preventing burnout and the importance of self-care. To sign up for one or all of these sessions, click here.

Cancer and COVID-19 Wellness Webinar:
Recognising that for cancer patients and survivors, COVID-19 has brought with it a heightened sense of anxiety and vulnerability, we created our six-part Cancer and COVID-19 wellness webinar series to provide expert advice and support to those on a cancer journey, from the safety of their homes. Covering issues related to a life lived with cancer such as managing fatigue and anxiety, to exercise and new nutritional requirements, each week, people tuned in live to hear our speaker share vital information to help stay healthy while staying home. To watch recordings of each instalment of our wellness webinar series and read some of the frequently asked questions from each session, click here.
We have also been able to create a number of at-home health resources including our Stay Home Stay Healthy series, giving people the information and tools they needed to stay well while cocooning, and social distancing. For more information on these resources, click here

#LunchtimeLive with Look Good Feel Better
Our #LunchtimeLive series with the team at Look Good Feel Better Ireland is a monthly Facebook Live that provides valuable information on how to look good and feel confident at every step of your cancer journey. To date, we have been fortunate to be able to host live streams on the topics of how to care for your skin, how to boost self-esteem through makeup, how to care for your scalp and advice on wigs as well as a dedicated live stream for men on a cancer journey. The latest of our lunchtime lives hosted in November was a festive Christmas give away where five lucky winners walked away with some fantastic Christmas treats. To watch all of our #LunchtimeLive's back in your own time, click here.

Women's Health Webinar in partnership with the Roscommon and Offaly Local Development Networks:
To ensure that everyone in Ireland has access to the vital and life saving information about cervical cancer, how to spot it and how it's treated, the Marie Keating Foundation, in partnership with the teams at the Roscommon and Offaly Local Development network created a cervical cancer presentation designed to provide those within the Syrian community in Ireland with the information and confidence to seek help if they notice a change. On the day, all of the information presented by the Marie Keating Foundation's nursing team was presented in Arabic and translated live to ensure al literacy needs were catered for. A full recording of this webinar session is available to view by clicking here. This work was made possible thanks to the generous contribution of Deloitte Ireland.

To mark International Men's Health Week this June, the Foundation were delighted to be able to offer men across Ireland the opportunity to join our free, four-week webinar series focusing on men's health and wellness.Taking care of your health and wellbeing has never been more important. This four-part webinar series called "Connecting and Re-engaging with each other" was designed to bring men vital information and resources on how to look after their physical and mental health, from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

DONATE