Kildare cancer survivor behind Ireland’s first white ribbon 

NAAS cancer survivor and lung cancer awareness advocate, Samantha Vaughan, has become the driving force behind Ireland’s first white ribbon campaign to raise awareness for lung cancer, partnering with Breakthrough Cancer Research to launch the initiative nationwide.

Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023, the woman—originally from Naas but now living in Laois—said the lack of rehabilitation support and awareness after her diagnosis prompted her to take action.

“There was nothing in Ireland for rehabilitation before or after treatment,” she said.

She connected with Jill Ryan, another lung cancer patient from Cork, through Instagram. “I said I’d love to do something like the pink ribbon, but for lung cancer. Every cancer has a ribbon, and white is for lung cancer. So we just said, why not?” The campaign took shape when Breakthrough Cancer Research agreed to come on board.

“We nearly died—it just happened so quickly,” she recalled.

The ribbon itself is silver with “Lung Cancer” printed on it. The awareness pack includes a card with symptoms on the back and a box that can collect coins or donations via QR code.

Critically, all funds raised will go directly to lung cancer research.

The initiative has already gained traction, with people across Offaly, Dublin, and beyond requesting donation boxes.

Samantha is now looking ahead to the official launch of the white ribbon in November for Lung Cancer Awareness Month at Dáil Eireann, with Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill expected to attend.

The arrival of the ribbon for lung cancer couldn’t have come at a better time with recent figures from the Irish Cancer Society warning that each 4-week diagnosis delay can increase cancer mortality by 10%.

The Society is calling for increased investment in Budget 2026 in cancer staff, buildings and equipment to ensure target waiting times are met.

The new comprehensive data highlights shocking variation across the country in terms of accessing life-saving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment on time. It also spotlights deeply concerning delays for patients who have been referred for urgent breast and prostate tests.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said:

“Early treatment dramatically reduces your risk of dying from cancer. A person’s chances of surviving cancer are up to four times higher when treated at Stage 1 than at Stage 4.” “That’s why the National Cancer Strategy set target waiting times for cancer tests and treatment.” “Today’s figures highlight alarming failures to meet those targets in many cancer centres, due to shortages of staff, physical space, and equipment.” Samantha’s own journey underscores the challenge of timely diagnosis. Initially misdiagnosed with long COVID and even menopause symptoms, she eventually advocated for herself to get a CT scan privately after her hospital X-ray was not followed up.

“If I didn’t push, I would have got to stage four. It was an aggressive form,” she said.

Despite being a cancer patient, she’s now facing a three-month wait for a breast check after discovering a lump—highlighting systemic delays.

“I phoned the hospital, and they said it’s an eight to twelve-week wait. Even for a cancer patient.” With waiting lists only getting longer and a serious lack of staff and resources for those on the path to diagnosis – Samantha takes a brave step forward for lung cancer awareness, which will hopefully inform more people of what symptoms to watch out for and lead to earlier lung cancer diagnosis.

Samantha encourages anyone interested in getting involved to contact Breakthrough Cancer directly to receive ribbons and boxes.

“We just want people to know the signs,” she concluded.