‘Get it checked out’: Mum of two who beat cancer ‘worried’ by drop in number of referrals

A BREAST cancer survivor has urged people not to ignore symptoms and to seek medical help immediately.

Alarming figures show the HSE has seen a drop of over 70pc in GP referrals for suspected cases of cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lung cancer referrals have dropped by 61pc, breast cancers by 55pc, prostate by 50pc and pigmented skin lesions by 72.3pc.

Thousands of patients are facing a delayed diagnosis when time is critical to their treatment and survival.

Helen Cuddigan (50) today implores people not to delay getting treatment.

The mother of two is the marketing manager of Ballymaloe House in Cork.

She is recovering and cocooning at home with her children, Louis (15) and Matilda (13), and her partner Michael in Ballycotton.

“Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Your life might depend on it,” she said.

“I’m a very lucky person. I’ve two wonderful children and a partner and we live happily and simply together. Then cancer struck.

“In early July 2019, I found a lump in my left breast.

“I immediately went to my GP, who referred me to the rapid access clinic in the CUH [Cork University Hospital]. Within two weeks, I was diagnosed with ductal breast cancer and started chemotherapy two weeks later.

“We are so blessed in Cork with our cancer service. When you are in the system it is quite unbelievably impressive how they manage your treatment.

“One of the first things I had to deal with was losing my hair. I’ve always had long, red, curly hair.

“In a funny sort of a way, I thought my hair defined me, but not at all actually. Being bald was all right and now it’s growing back completely different – curly, black and soft. “And that’s all right too.” In November, Helen was declared cancer-free and underwent a double mastectomy in January.

“It felt like life was getting back on track again, and I was healing well inside and out,” she said.

Ordeal

Sadly, during her recovery, Helen suffered a blood clot in her lung and a subsequent infection led to the removal of one of her implants.

While Helen has endured a lifechanging ordeal, she feels lucky.

“The fact the referrals for cancer are so low worries me,” she said.

“Early detection is key to how successful your treatment will be.

“Even if you think it’s nothing, you still need to get it checked out.”

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said delay can have dreadful consequences.

“When it comes to cancer, early detection is key and can be the difference between life or death in some cases,” she said. “Ordinarily, an average of 800 people are diagnosed with cancer each week in Ireland.”

The Irish Cancer Society’s support line is open every day to help anyone worried or affected by cancer, you can contact freephone 1800 200700.