By Lesley Walsh
A GREEN Party councillor has spoken of the ‘torture’ of waiting more than 80 days for breast cancer treatment, saying every day of delay leaves her feeling as though the health system is ‘letting you die’.
Ards and North Down councillor Lauren Kendall has gone public with her breast cancer diagnosis in the hope of raising awareness of the disease’s lesser- known symptoms and encouraging women to seek medical advice if they notice any changes.
The Holywood and Clandeboye representative also wants to highlight the pressures facing the health service after revealing she had to phone her GP practice 51 times before getting through to secure an appointment.
Lauren said her diagnosis began with a symptom that is not commonly associated with breast cancer.
“I did not have obvious symptoms. A strange red bruise that wouldn’t go away is what prompted me to get checked,” she said.
“I nearly didn’t go to the GP initially because it is so difficult to secure an appointment. The phone-in triage system is a huge barrier. However, after sending a family member to book for me, I was given a priority appointment.”
Following an urgent, or ‘red flag’, referral by her GP, Lauren waited six weeks for imaging. More than 80 days after that referral, she is still waiting to begin treatment despite the 62-day treatment target.
She also described the difficulties of navigating the healthcare system, revealing she had to make 51 calls before getting through to her GP practice following her initial referral.
“This experience significantly heightens anxiety for those awaiting diagnosis and treatment,” she said.
As she continues to wait for treatment, Lauren said the uncertainty has taken an enormous emotional toll.
“It has been over 80 days since the red flag referral and I have still not started treatment. Every day is filled with fear, you can’t help but feel that the delays are letting you die. It is a feeling shared by many waiting for the diagnosis and treatment, its torture,” she revealed.
Describing the diagnosis as overwhelming, Lauren also spoke candidly about the emotional impact of living with breast cancer: “This has been the most distressing time I have ever experienced. I have struggled with accepting the diagnosis and facing the treatment that lies ahead, as so many women do. It has completely shaken my sense of identity, the anxiety is immense.”
She said her experience had highlighted the pressures facing frontline healthcare staff.
“The healthcare system is under immense strain, the teams are really pressured and that makes an already frightening diagnosis even harder for those going through it,” she said.
Despite her frustration over the delays, Lauren praised the care she has received from NHS staff: “I recognise the incredibly hard work of individuals who have, and are, caring for me, our NHS nurses, consultants and healthcare staff are extraordinary. I am also deeply thankful to the Macmillan telephone support teams, who took the time to listen to me when I needed it. There are times when this has felt so lonely.
“I am so grateful to my GP for recognising the unusual symptoms, that something could be wrong and making a ‘red flag’ referral. She has been very supportive,” she added.
Lauren said she hopes to continue serving her constituents while undergoing treatment and surgery, and called for more open conversations about breast health in schools and communities.
“I have shared with my party colleagues that I would like to continue serving the Holywood and Clandeboye community, although there may be times when this becomes difficult as things progress. I truly hope I can, although I do have a long road of treatment and surgery ahead.
“I am incredibly grateful to my Green Party colleagues, who across the party have kept in regular contact and shown real care, offering help and support, as I have tried to come to terms with this,” the councillor said.
The Green Party has pledged its full support to councillor Kendall throughout her treatment and recovery, praising her decision to speak publicly about her diagnosis.
Party leader Mal O’Hara said: “Lauren is a valued friend and colleague. She is a dedicated local councillor and works hard supporting the Holywood and Clandeboye Community. As a party we stand full square behind her and will support her with anything she needs over the coming months.
“Sharing her personal story to encourage other women to check their breasts is testament to her courage and commitment for women’s health. We all wish Lauren every success with her treatment, a speedy recovery,and look forward to seeing her healthy again.”
