Patricia Scanlan has been diagnosed with breast cancer

The Irish writer confirmed she received the diagnosis following a routine health check in December.

Scanlan said her cancer was detected early but waiting for results is "the worst bit."

She explained that she will undergo radiotherapy in the coming months.

Speaking to the RTÉ Guide, the writer said that the news was a shock.

"It was just a routine check-up. I had a shoulder replacement last February and had to cancel my BreastCheck appointment that month because I couldn’t raise my arm for the X-rays," she explained.

Patricia added: "I rescheduled for November, and by December, I got the results. Once I was in the system, everything moved quite quickly — surgery in January, followed by another procedure in early March.”

She praised her medical team for being there for her every step of the way.

"The consultant is being extra careful, and the team at BreastCheck have been wonderful—so kind, so thorough," Patricia said.

Patricia explained that there is a family history, but she never expected to be diagnosed.

"It was a bit of a shock because even though my family history isn't great you still don't think you're going to get it," she admitted.

We're keeping the author in our thoughts as she undergoes treatment.