'Cancer patients deserve dignity, compassion and to be listened to from the very moment they receive a diagnosis'

Newry & Armagh MLA Aoife Finnegan has called for urgent improvements to cancer support services after raising the experience of Marianne Tiernan, a young mother from Mullaghbawn living with Stage 4 breast cancer.

The Sinn Féin MLA said: “Over recent weeks, I have raised serious concerns directly with the Health Minister around the lived experiences of people navigating cancer care across the North, including access to counselling, fertility advice, cold cap treatment, wig support, PICC line covers and referral delays.

Newry & Armagh MLA Aoife Finnegan pictured with Marianne Tiernan who she says has shown incredible strength and courage, not only for herself, but for every family who may one day face a similar diagnosis.

placeholder image — Newry & Armagh MLA Aoife Finnegan pictured with Marianne Tiernan who she says has shown incredible strength and courage, not only for herself, but for every family who may one day face a similar diagnosis.

“These issues were also highlighted in the Assembly through a Member’s Statement detailing the experience of Marianne Tiernan, whose courage in speaking publicly about her diagnosis has already had a real impact.

“At just 38 years old, after previously battling cancer, Marianne was devastatingly told her cancer had returned as Stage 4, incurable and life-limiting. Despite everything she is facing, she chose to speak out so that no other person would feel abandoned or unheard during the most difficult time of their life.

“This is not about blaming frontline healthcare staff, who continue to provide extraordinary care under immense pressure. The issue is systemic.

“Too many patients are being left without adequate emotional support at diagnosis, facing inequalities in access to services and carrying additional financial burdens while undergoing treatment.

“In his response to my correspondence, the Health Minister acknowledged inconsistencies across Trusts, including access to support services and the fact that cold cap treatment is not currently commissioned within Health and Social Care in the North.

“While I welcome that engagement, acknowledgement alone is not enough. Patients and families now need to see action.

“No person battling cancer should feel unsupported, unheard, or forced to fight the very system meant to care for them.

“Marianne Tiernan has shown incredible strength and courage, not only for herself, but for every family who may one day face a similar diagnosis. Her voice matters, and cancer patients deserve a healthcare system that listens.”