Without cancer treatment I wouldn’t be here to enjoy my grandchildren

25 February 2015

A KILLINCHY woman who survived womb cancer has urged anyone experiencing unusual symptoms to ditch the embarrassment and see a GP.

Janine McCann spoke out this week to add her backing to a new campaign by the Public Health Agency. The ‘Be Cancer Aware’ campaign is aimed at raising awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer and encouraging people to speak to their GP if they experience any of them.

Now retired, Janine enjoys a full life and her cancer is behind her. But she knows that without that initial contact with her doctor, and the subsequent treatment, she wouldn’t be here to enjoy her grandchildren or one of her other loves — sailing.

“In May 2003 I went to my GP for a routine smear test and mentioned I was having spotting between periods,” she said. “I thought it was probably the menopause as I was 53 at the time. My GP referred me on, but I wasn’t concerned at the symptoms and I otherwise felt good.

“I was later diagnosed with endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb). I had a hysterectomy followed by radiotherapy, and in May 2004 had brachytherapy, a type of internal radiotherapy.

“The cancer is now behind me and was only an interruption in my life. I was very fit and well at the time and physically recovered from the surgery quickly. Unfortunately as a result of the radiotherapy, I developed chronic radiation enteritis, which is damage to the lining of the bowel due to the radiation. However, I know the treatment was a necessary evil to ensure my recovery.”

Janine said her cancer jumped a grade from diagnosis to surgery – worrying evidence if she needed it of the cancer’s growth.

“So if I had not bothered to go I may not have had such a positive outcome,” she said. “Only a tiny percentage of patients get complications from treatment and even with these, you still have a life.

“I am now retired but live a full life and without the treatment would not be here to enjoy my grandchildren, see the flowers and herbs reappear each year, or sail on the Atlantic and Mediterranean. I am fortunate to have an understanding husband and close family. I feel needed and loved, which is a joy at any age or situation.

“I would advise anyone who experiences something that is not normal to go to your GP and don’t put it off.”

With at least one in three people in Northern Ireland expected to get cancer, Dr. Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “Survival rates in Northern Ireland for some cancers fall below what is achieved elsewhere in the UK and Europe. Some of this may be due to low levels of awareness of cancer symptoms and a reluctance to talk to a GP at an early stage.

“A survey undertaken on behalf of the PHA revealed that barriers to seeking help in relation to cancer symptoms include being worried about what the doctor might find and embarrassment. We are urging people to set these concerns aside and speak to their GP if they have any signs or symptoms.”

Health Minister Jim Wells said: “Public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer is a key factor in detecting cancers early and increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival.

“Fear of the unknown can be a terrible barrier for individuals who may have concerns about their health, and can impede early diagnosis and treatment of many illnesses, including cancer, which may otherwise be treated more effectively.

“I hope this campaign will inspire confidence across the population to contact their GPs as soon as they have concerns about their physical health and the potential symptoms of cancer.”

A new website http://www.becancerawareni.info provides information and advice about cancer signs and symptoms.

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