Breast cancer care in Northern Ireland has seen substantial improvements over the last decade, according to Professor Stuart McIntosh, a leading breast surgeon at the Belfast Cancer Centre. He expressed optimism about the future, noting that women are now offered a more positive prognosis than 10 years ago.
Professor McIntosh highlighted Northern Ireland's role in developing treatments and pioneering national clinical trials, including those for PARP inhibitors, which are targeted cancer drugs. He believes that earlier diagnosis, personalised treatments, and more available options will continue to improve patient outcomes over the next few decades.
Lynette McHendry, diagnosed with aggressive stage four breast cancer 10 years ago at age 37, shared her experience of defying the odds. She believes advancements in treatment and drugs will allow more women to live longer with the disease. Ms McHendry sought a second opinion in London for genetic testing and platinum chemotherapy, which were not initially offered on the NHS in Northern Ireland, and later received personalised treatment including PARP inhibitors.
Ms McHendry, who is now eight years in breast cancer remission, was part of a group called Beaconbridge that called for an audit of women living with stage four breast cancer in Northern Ireland. This audit, the first of its kind in the region, continues to influence policy, treatment, and services.