Lynette McHendry, diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage 4 breast cancer at age 37, has navigated a decade-long battle with the disease, emerging in remission and advocating for improved patient outcomes.
Her journey included a personalized treatment plan that incorporated PARP inhibitors and adjustments to chemotherapy, moving away from a drug deemed unsuitable for her. This tailored approach, combined with targeted radiotherapy for brain lesions and multiple surgeries including two craniotomies, ultimately led to a scan revealing No Evidence of Active Disease (NEAD) in 2018, a status she has maintained. She emphasizes that living with cancer is possible.
McHendry's experience underscores the advancements in cancer care. "Women are better educated, there are better treatments available so women are no longer invisible - the future is looking better," she stated. She actively shared her knowledge by speaking with other women, participating in patient forums, and attending research meetings, ultimately raising funds for research and publishing her story in a book titled "Unbroken."
Professor McIntosh of Queen's University Belfast highlighted the collective progress in cancer research, noting that data from trials in Northern Ireland contributes to worldwide cancer treatment advancements. "The combination of earlier diagnosis, personalised treatments and more treatment options being available mean the outcomes are going to continue to improve for our patients over the next few decades and that will transform the outcomes for patients with breast cancer at all stages," he said.
Research conducted through the NI Cancer Trials Network facilitates clinical trials for new drugs, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, specifically identifying which treatments are most effective for individual patients. This collaborative effort positions Northern Ireland as a significant contributor to global cancer research, offering hope for improved outcomes across all stages of breast cancer.