My friend’s girl died from cancer at 22 ..please get any worrying symptoms checked out
Marty joins appeal to visit GP despite pandemic fear
A lovely girl. She was so kind and generous MARTY MORRISSEY YESTERDAY
MARTY Morrissey has told of the cancer death of a friend’s daughter and urged people to get symptoms checked despite pandemic concerns.
Jordan Healy, a student from Cork, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2019 and lost her battle with illness on January 4 aged just 22.
RTE sports pundit Marty said he was deeply saddened by the death and paid tribute to her parents who want to help others affected by cancer.
He told the Irish Mirror: “Jordan was such a lovely girl.
“She was so kind and generous – she lived her life to the fullest amount that I really know.
“Her parents are lovely people, and as you can imagine they are absolutely devastated.”
Today is World Cancer Day and alongside the Irish Cancer Society, Marty has urged the public to get any worrying symptoms checked. He said: “Maybe we noticed something that doesn’t feel right but instead of contacting our doctor, we put it on the long finger hoping it will go away.
“But this year, even with everything that’s going on, it’s important to check it out. If it’s clear that’s fantastic but if it’s not, an early diagnosis could make all the difference.
“Don’t delay in contacting your doctor, they’ll want to hear from you. Or try calling the Irish Cancer Society Support Line to speak to a nurse.”
Meanwhile, a mum diagnosed with the illness after going to the dentist has also urged people to check unusual symptoms.
Jane Jackson, 46, had skin cancer treatment after a dental hygienist spotted a cancerous mole on the back
of her neck. She said: “She suggested I have it looked at, but after speaking with my husband, Roy, we both agreed to keep an eye on it, as we thought it looked fine.
“However, months later Roy noticed it had started to change so I made an appointment to see my GP.”
She was sent to her local hospital where the mole was removed and tested.
Jane was nervous about getting care during a pandemic but the results showed she had stage 1b skin cancer.
She said: “I cried when I was told. My doctor was so kind and apologised for her mask and that social distancing meant she couldn’t comfort me and that I couldn’t have someone with me.
“Since then I’ve undergone further testing and had more skin and lymph nodes removed.
“I now have to have full skin checks every 12 weeks as there is a 70% chance of recurrence. Melanoma can spread quickly, so I’m glad it was caught when it was, but if I had acted when the mole was first noticed I could have saved myself a lot of pain and anxiety.
“Once you make the call, your doctor will start the process for you. They’ll make sure you receive the treatment you need.” Research by the Irish Cancer Society revealed one in four did not attend a GP or hospital appointment when they needed to during the first lockdown.
The ICS said this was because patients didn’t believe their condition was serious enough, they were afraid of contracting Covid or their check-up was cancelled.
The charity also urged anyone who has difficulties getting through to their GP to call its Support Line on 1800 200 700 to speak with a registered nurse.
People can visit www.cancer.ie for further information.