'We couldn’t believe it' - Laois woman recalls cancer diagnosis ahead of Daffodil Day

A Laois woman and cancer survivor has called on people across the county to go all in against cancer for Daffodil Day on Friday, March 20.

Caroline Overton from Emo was working as a nurse in the emergency department of the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise in 2021 when she experienced concerning symptoms such as hiccups and acid reflux. However, she put these down to the stressful nature of her job. 

The 62-year-old went to see her GP the following month, who then referred her for an endoscopy. She underwent the endoscopy in November 2021 which then revealed her cancer diagnosis. 

The mother of three said: "My husband, David, was brought in after I had the endoscopy, and we were given the news. We were told they found an eight-centimetre tumour in my oesophagus. 

"We just couldn’t believe it. Cancer was so far off our Richter scale of things that we thought could’ve caused the symptoms I had before. They found out that the tumour was going along my oesophagus. It was linear, so it wasn’t blocking the food that I ate, it was only slowing it down."

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Shortly after she was diagnosed, Caroline went to the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre in Portlaoise to access Irish Cancer Society-funded counselling, which she found hugely beneficial.

"I knew I needed help and a sense of direction when I was going through everything. I needed tools to cope, and counselling gave me those tools," Caroline explained. 

"We did things in the counselling sessions like visualising going for a PET scan, because I was so worried about it, but doing that made it a lot easier when I actually did it."

Caroline had chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumour and thankfully she is now doing well. She medically retired from the hospital in 2023.

Life has changed a lot for Caroline since her diagnosis, as she said herself: "I’ve changed a lot since I was diagnosed. I’m more active now, I’ve lost four stone since I was diagnosed and I exercise five or six times a week. I’m not the same person I was in 2021. Everything is different now, but in a really good way."

The Laois woman has encouraged everyone in the county to show their support for vital cancer services this Daffodil Day.

"Every euro raised on Daffodil Day is crucial and makes a real lasting difference, fuelling life-changing cancer research and vital support services. I would encourage everyone to please get out there on Daffodil Day, March 20, and show your support for those affected by cancer in your local community."

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Through the phenomenal generosity of the public, the Irish Cancer Society has been able to provide extensive supports to people in Laois as well as invest in groundbreaking research.

Last year alone, the Irish Cancer Society provided over 470 free lifts to bring local cancer patients in Laois to their treatment. They also provided over 360 free counselling sessions and their cancer nurses had 180 conversations with people from the county through their Support Line and Daffodil Centres.

And, importantly, they also provided over 250 nights of free Night Nursing care which allowed cancer patients in Laois to die peacefully at home surrounded by their families.

Speaking ahead of this year's Daffodil Day, Irish Cancer Society's Acting CEO Edel Shovlin said: "Cancer doesn’t wait — and neither can we. This year, thousands of people in Ireland will hear the words, ‘You have cancer’. Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, a future suddenly filled with uncertainty. But this Daffodil Day, there is also determination, compassion and groundbreaking research driving real progress.

"Daffodil Day 2026 is about turning solidarity into action. The funds raised don’t just support vital, life-changing cancer research — they provide immediate, practical help for people facing cancer right now. From free counselling and transport to treatment, to Night Nursing care that allows someone to spend precious time at home, your support makes an extraordinary difference."

She urged: "Communities across Laois, and throughout Ireland will once again come together to paint the country yellow — standing shoulder to shoulder with patients and their families. But we need this to be our biggest Daffodil Day yet. When you donate or get involved, you’re not just giving money — you’re giving comfort, hope and time. Together, we can ensure that no one in Ireland faces cancer alone."