As Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, Kevin O’Hagan is responsible for coordinating the organisation’s work, in the area of cancer prevention and early detection. As he explains, “This involves supporting the development and delivery of health education interventions in community and workplace settings. I work closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders including our Communications and Advocacy Department to deliver national awareness campaigns and our Education and Engagement team to develop materials for print and social media content.”

As part of his work, Kevin manages a team of four cancer awareness nurses who deliver the Irish Cancer Society’s Early Detection Roadshow events around the country and present education sessions to community groups. “We present and do outreach to community groups such as Men’s Sheds – like the one featured in the TV ad, Women’s Groups, Active Retirement, Farmers groups, homeless services, to name a few and we also go into workplaces to raise awareness on cancer prevention and the importance of early detection.”

Having joined the Irish Cancer Society 12 years ago, Kevin says he was drawn to the organisation due to the impact and influence it has. “The Society’s reputation as a leading health charity, and the impact and influence it has had on bringing about real change for people was a major motivating factor in joining the Society.

Cancer inequalities and barriers to access health services across Irish society is a frustrating part of his work, Kevin says he is also heartened by hearing about how Irish Cancer Society awareness campaigns have influenced people to get the  medical help they need. “There are some challenges to our work, such as hearing about unequal access to our health services, and the slow response of Government to reform health policy  in areas such as tobacco, alcohol and sunbed use which could save lives. But the positives are also there, and the extensive reach of the Irish Cancer Society is something that makes you keep going. Our impact and hearing back from people that they took action and got symptoms checked out or altered their lifestyle after attending one of our events is all very encouraging.”

Kevin is committed to his work because he knows it is making a difference. “The Irish Cancer Society has been in existence over sixty years and over that time we have helped to change the conversation around cancer.  I know we are making a difference.  We can see from the engagement and interaction with people at our various education events; at Roadshow events in communities or in workplaces, people really value our work.   People often come to our events feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and confused.  We listen, support, and address their fears.  We encourage and enable them to get the health care they need.  As a result, they have a better understanding of cancer symptoms, and they know where they need to go next to get the support they need.”

“This campaign is all about the things we won’t stop doing for cancer patients and those affected by cancer. For me and my team, we won’t stop talking about cancer. By increasing awareness we can help people get an early diagnosis which could save their life.”