As Westminster Stalls, Northern Ireland Is Being Asked to Help Break the Deadlock
Lobular breast cancer accounts for up to 15 per cent of breast cancer diagnoses, yet it remains under-researched and without a treatment designed specifically for it. Despite clear scientific evidence that it behaves differently from other breast cancers, it continues to be treated as if it were the same disease.
ExCo
The cost of this neglect is measured in lives.
Susan Michaelis died of lobular breast cancer after undergoing eight generic breast cancer treatments. None were designed for her disease. None worked. Her experience mirrors that of many women whose cancer is still treated without a proper biological understanding.
Every day in the UK, 22 women are diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. Yet research into the disease remains chronically underfunded.
The Lobular Moon Shot Project was created to change this, calling for dedicated investment in the basic biology of lobular breast cancer — the foundation required to develop effective treatments. Further details are available at www.lobularmoonshot.org.
The proposal has overwhelming support.
A business case shows that a £20 million, five-year investment could return £290–£330 million to the public purse. 463 MPs support the plan. Every opposition party leader has written to the Prime Minister.
Yet the Westminster Government has not acted.
No vote.
No debate.
No explanation.
In response, campaigners have now written to Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, asking Northern Ireland to help unlock progress by committing £1 million per year to research carried out locally.
For the project’s campaign manager, Tristan Loraine, the appeal is personal. Loraine grew up in Armagh and has spoken about the importance of Northern Ireland playing a role in breaking the deadlock:
“I grew up in Armagh, and Northern Ireland will always have a special place in my heart. This is an opportunity for Northern Ireland to show leadership, invest in research that saves lives, and stand up for families who deserve better. I urge people across Northern Ireland to support the Lobular Moon Shot Project and help us force the change that Westminster will not deliver.”
On 22 April, three silent vigils will take place in London. At each, 22 women with lobular breast cancer will stand in silence for 22 minutes, representing the women diagnosed every day. One vigil will also include 22 schoolgirls, symbolising the future generation still at risk.