Sisters from Co Armagh Share Breast Cancer Battle to Raise Awareness

Two sisters from Co Armagh, Aisling Muckian and Áine Mallie, have shared their harrowing journey after both were diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks apart. Their aim is to encourage others to conduct regular breast checks, raising vital awareness about the disease.

Aisling, aged 32, received her diagnosis of grade 3 BRCA2+ breast cancer on May 27, 2025. Her sister, Áine, 34, followed suit with the same diagnosis on July 26, 2025. Both mothers of two, the sisters have undergone similar treatments, including a single mastectomy, reconstruction, lymph node clearance, and chemotherapy.

Reflecting on her symptoms prior to diagnosis, Aisling described an unusual level of exhaustion. “I basically was feeling absolutely exhausted. It was a different kind of exhaustion, almost like early pregnancy exhaustion,” she said. Initially attributing her fatigue to the demands of motherhood and work, she began to focus on lifestyle changes. “I started PT classes because I thought, ‘I need to be exercising more,’ but nothing was changing.”

In April, Aisling discovered a lump in her breast and promptly contacted her doctor. She explained, “I emailed my GP that evening because I found it just when I got out of the shower.” The doctor arranged a consultation the following morning, leading to further tests. “They were just going back over, and back over, and under my arm… then they brought in another consultant and decided to do biopsies,” Aisling recounted.

The diagnosis was confirmed through a series of tests, and on June 27, Aisling underwent her surgery. The medical team opted for a single mastectomy and reconstruction while awaiting genetic test results, which ultimately revealed that both sisters carried the BRCA2 gene.

Áine’s diagnosis came shortly after Aisling’s. “Áine found her lump on June 13. She felt exhausted like me, but we both just attributed it to having small children and working full time,” Aisling noted. Áine was diagnosed on July 26 and underwent surgery on August 26, receiving the same treatment regimen as Aisling.

To amplify their message, the sisters have launched social media accounts, titled Silverbridge Sisters, on TikTok and Instagram. They aim to reach a broader audience and highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness. “The amount of people that have messaged and said, ‘We checked ourselves for the first time last night,’ is overwhelming,” Aisling shared.

The sisters emphasized that their lumps did not present with typical symptoms such as pain or discharge. Instead, they experienced fatigue, which they now recognize as a potential warning sign. “It’s shocking for two sisters from just a small village in Armagh to be diagnosed in the same year,” Aisling remarked.

Support from family has been instrumental during this challenging time. Aisling expressed gratitude for her parents and siblings, who have stepped in to help with childcare and logistical needs. “We are very lucky to have a big family,” she said, acknowledging the role of their healthcare providers as well.

The sisters hope that by sharing their story, they can encourage others to take charge of their health and seek medical attention when necessary. They invite anyone interested in their journey to follow Silverbridge Sisters on social media platforms.

By raising awareness and sharing their experiences, Aisling and Áine hope to inspire others to prioritize their health. For additional information and updates, interested readers can visit the Silverbridge Sisters accounts on Instagram and TikTok.