Ireland rugby star Shannon Ikahihifo has been diagnosed with cancer. The sports star, who was part of the panel for the Rugby World Cup this summer, took to Instagram to share the news. Shannon has been widely supported by her Ireland teammates as the women prepare for their first World Cup match this weekend. Read more: Ireland rugby star Tadhg Beirne expecting first child with wife Harriet Read more: Paul O'Connell gives glimpse into home life in Limerick with wife Emily and three kids She wrote on Instagram: "Crazy to think that one day you can be running around on the rugby pitch feeling completely fine, then five days later you're sitting in a hospital room being told you have cancer. "Still a little in shock if I'm honest, but I'm so blessed to have the most amazing husband, family, and friends that always carry when things start to feel a bit heavy. "Fair to say she's been a pretty tough few weeks. But lucky we're tougher." The 30-year-old offered important advice to her followers, adding: "Also a lil PSA to the ladies: feel ya tits every once in a while, it might save your life xx". Shannon's Ireland teammates have rallied around to support her, giving her a cake which poignantly read: "Dunno what to say/do but we got you." Speaking to press as the World Cup kicks off, Ireland co-captain Edel McMahon praised Shannon for her bravery in sharing her diagnosis. She told reporters: "We found out as a group a little bit earlier than everyone else heard. "But we respected Shannon's space that she wanted to deal with this herself and even get to terms with what the news is. "A credit to her to be so brave to come out. "It would be very easy to fall into the background and not say anything and not raise awareness herself. "I know Breast Cancer Awareness is actually happening next month, but the full group are here to support her and we're all thinking of her. But at the same time, she's so selfless in that she didn't want to distract from rugby itself and all of the good work that's going on for World Rugby and this campaign. "She was like, 'I don't want [this] to be about me' but that's Shannon to a T. "The squad are definitely thinking of her and we're here to support her whatever that looks like." Ireland start their World Cup campaign against Japan this Sunday, followed by playing Spain on August 31st and New Zealand on September 7th. Jacqui Hurley leads the coverage as all matches can be enjoyed across RTÉ One, RTÉ2, RTÉ Player, RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ 2FM.