‘Not something I ever thought I’d be facing’ — DJ Dec Pierce reveals breast cancer diagnosis
Popular Today FM DJ Declan Pierce has announced that he has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Block Rockin Beats DJ announced on Friday morning (November 14) that earlier this year, he was diagnosed with breast cancer; saying that he has undergone surgery twice in his prognosis, thanking those who helped with his surgery and his bandmates and Today FM crew for their support.
He added that he wants to come forward with his diagnosis to warn men that they too can get breast cancer, and urged them to make sure they check themselves — admitting that he didn’t think he would be going through something like this after suffering from a brain haemorrhage two years previously.
Popular Today FM DJ Dec Pierce has announced that he has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Pic: Twitter.
‘Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,’ he wrote on Instagram. ‘After the brain haemorrhage two years ago, it’s not something I ever thought I’d be facing — but here we are, and I’m taking it one step at a time.
‘I’ve already had two surgeries at the Mater Private and am now focusing on recovery and the next stage of treatment. I want to give my deepest thanks to the amazing medical teams who’ve looked after me, and to my friends and family for their love, strength and support. I couldn’t do this without them.’
Dec went on to thank his Today FM crew, bandmates with Block Rockin Beats, and management team for ‘standing by me and keeping everything moving while I focus on getting well. Your support means the world.’
The Today FM DJ announced his diagnosis on Friday, but added that his upcoming Block Rockin Beats Pic: Today FM
The DJ added that his upcoming gigs in Dublin, Mayo and Kerry will not be affected by his diagnosis, with him adding: ‘The journey has been tough, but I’ve come back before and I’ll come back stronger again. Music is healing, and that will never change. Cancer cannot beat me.
The gigs will remain unchanged — I’ll see you all next month and well into 2026. Thank you for all the support. It means more than I can ever say.’
People flooded Dec’s announcement with support, with one commenting: ‘One of the strongest and best people I know. You got this, we all got your back.’
Block Rockin Beats returns next month, with Declan saying that the gigs will go ahead. Pic: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland
‘Ah Dec you’ve really been through the mill,’ another commented. ‘This must have been an awful time for you. I’m so glad to hear you’re on the road to recovery now. Sending big love,’ while FM104 DJ Crossy commented: ‘Thinking of you Dec!! And by speaking about this you are going to help so many people!!’
While breast cancer diagnosis in men is rare compared to women, it still does happen — with around 30 men being diagnosed with the cancer annually, compared to approximately 3,600 women a year.
Dec’s full announcement can be read below:
