Woman advocates for breast density notification law in Ireland

Martha Lovett Cullen is campaigning for better breast cancer screening after losing her mother to the disease. Marian Lovett was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2023, despite having a clear mammogram the previous year. She died in August 2024 at the age of 61, leaving behind two children. Martha is urging Ireland's Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to introduce a breast density notification law. This proposed law would inform women about their breast density after a mammogram. Marian was never notified about her dense breast tissue, which can make cancers harder to detect. Martha explains that if her mother had known about her dense breasts, she might have had earlier tests, like an ultrasound, that could have caught the cancer sooner. The young woman launched a petition in early March, which has already gained over 5,900 signatures. Martha highlights the lack of communication in Ireland about breast density, noting that countries like the U.S., Germany, and Australia routinely provide this information. She believes women should be aware of their breast density to make informed decisions about their health. Marian lived a healthy life, with no significant health issues and no family history of cancer. Her unexpected diagnosis shocked her family. Despite her illness, Marian remained positive and continued pursuing her interests, including health innovation courses. Martha wants to honor her mother's legacy by advocating for women's health issues. She feels motivated to create change and believes her mother would support her efforts. Martha hopes that raising awareness will help prevent similar tragedies from affecting other families.