‘They have carried me through some very difficult days’: Northern Ireland councillor’s moving tribute after cancer treatment milestone
Lauren Kendall, who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, thanks health staff as she completes her sixth chemotherapy session and urges others to check for symptoms
A Northern Ireland councillor undergoing treatment for stage three breast cancer has paid an emotional tribute to the health service staff who have “carried me through some very difficult days” – as she marked the end of her sixth chemotherapy session.
Green Party councillor Lauren Kendall was speaking last Wednesday after completing what she hopes will be her sixth and final chemotherapy session.
The Holywood and Clandeboye representative still faces surgery, radiotherapy and years of further treatment, but used the personal milestone to call for greater awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
On the same day, she brought a motion before North Down Borough Council calling for action to promote the signs and symptoms of the disease – which was passed.
Cllr Kendall said she wanted to use her own experience to help ensure breast cancer is detected at an earlier stage.
She said: “On Wednesday, I attended what I hope was my sixth and final chemotherapy treatment, and whilst I still have surgeries, radiotherapy and years of further treatments ahead of me, and although today represents a significant personal milestone, I raised this motion simply to try to do as much as possible to ensure that breast cancer is caught early.
“I thank my Council colleagues for supporting this motion.
“Breast cancer has touched the lives of so many people, whether individually, through family members, friends, colleagues or loved ones, perhaps supporting a parent through treatment, being worried about a partner or standing with a friend at their lowest point.
“As both a concerned Councillor and someone who only discovered my breast cancer at Stage 3, I must give recognition and a shout out to all the health service personnel currently helping me, including my GPs, consultant breast surgeon, consultant oncologist, the doctors who have treated the complications and side-effects along the way.
“The many nurses in our hospitals and in the community, the radiographers and radiologists, the Porters and the reception and booking staff, all showed skill, professionalism, compassion and kindness throughout my care.
“They have carried me through some very difficult days.”
Breast cancer accounts for around 30% of all cancers in women in Northern Ireland. While it is more common among older age groups, increasing numbers of younger women are being diagnosed. Men can also develop breast cancer.
Cllr Kendall warned that early detection was particularly important given the delays facing patients referred for treatment.
Recent statistics show that only 6.8% of urgent breast cancer referrals were seen within the 14-day target, while just 30.1% of patients urgently referred by their GP began treatment within the 62-day target.
She continued: “I can’t say it enough, but early recognition, presentation and diagnosis matters, and the only way this happens is through information sharing, ensuring people recognise that any changes should always be reported to a GP as early as possible.
“Recent statistics show that only 6.8% of urgent breast cancer referrals were seen within the 14-day target, while only 30.1% of patients urgently referred by their GP began treatment within the 62-day target.
“Therefore, earlier detection by the individual becomes even more important when the wait for help can be agonising and lead to delays in receiving treatment.
“I brought this motion forward in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in support of the tremendous work of Breast Cancer Now, Macmillan, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, Action Cancer, and the many local and national organisations and people that work tirelessly to raise awareness, support those affected, and champion the importance of early detection.
“Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they remind people to know their bodies, to be aware of changes, and most importantly, to seek help when something does not feel right.
“I would urge everyone to regularly check themselves for any lumps or changes, and seek help immediately if they have any concerns.”