Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D Higgins, is receiving treatment for breast cancer.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Mrs Higgins urged the women of Ireland to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to the doctors and medical staff who are providing me with such expert care in my treatment," she said.

"I would like to take the opportunity of my diagnosis to call on all women to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and to seek checks as regularly as they can."

Mrs Higgins continued, "It may come as a surprise to many people to learn that the risk of breast cancer increases with age and that 36 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland are over the age of 70.

"While BreastCheck screening runs for women up to the age of 69, I would urge all women over the age of 70 of the vital importance of continuing to look for any potential symptoms of breast cancer on a regular basis and to seek medical checks whenever possible."

Sabina, born Sabina Coyne in County Mayo in 1942, was originally an actress before she married Michael in 1974.

The two first met in 1969 at a party in the family home of journalist Mary Kenny and fell in love.

He proposed over Christmas 1973 and they were married the year after.

The couple have four children together, Alice-Mary, twins John and Michael Jr, and Daniel.

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