WE need to talk about cancer. If you're still reading this, good; if you're a man of a certain age reading this, even better.
We middle-aged NI men are abysmal when it comes to looking after our health, and while we may get away with ignoring some aches and pains, when it comes to cancer, we ignore it at our peril.
So, when I was asked by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland to become an ambassador, I was happy to oblige. Cancer affects one in two of us at some stage of our lives - I doubt anyone reading this hasn't either had a family member or close friend who's been affected.
In my case, my mother was diagnosed with cancer in the 1960s; she survived to live a long and full life, only passing away in 2020 aged 89.
And that's what I want to stress - the positive, however counterintuitive it may seem to have 'positive' and 'cancer' in the same sentence. For too long we've whispered the word under our breath as if something to be ashamed of. How often have you heard the news of someone's diagnosis with the description, "Awk, sure, God love them, they're riddled, riddled I tell you..."
I remember being told of a newly diagnosed acquaintance, with the person sharing the news adding, "Aye, they're waiting on him." Well, they're still waiting, as two years later the same man - thankfully recovered - gave me a slap on the back as he ran past whilst out on a five-mile run.
We are living in exciting times when it comes to the treatment of cancer. Only this week, a breakthrough treatment for liver cancer was announced. Ten years ago, both skin and lung cancer were virtually untreatable - this has changed, with many people diagnosed with skin cancer achieving complete remission.
This year, Cancer Focus NI are focusing their fundraising efforts on research into two of today's most problematic cancers, pancreatic and oesophageal. Last week I visited the lab at Queen's University Belfast where the charity is funding a cutting-edge research project into immunotherapy treatments for both cancers, led by Dr Richard Turkington and his team.
Immunotherapy is the latest evolution in cancer treatment, where scientists harness the body's immune response to fight the disease. I won't go into the details of Dr Turkington's work - you can learn more by visiting the Cancer Focus NI website.
If you're running this year's Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and have yet to decide on a charity to fundraise for, can I suggest Cancer Focus NI, the official charity partner? You can be assured that all money raised will be spent in NI and not only on cancer research but also on a myriad of other services offered by the charity.
These include counselling, art therapy, a cancer information and support nurse line, specialist bra-fitting services for women with breast cancer, along with a 'Keeping Well Van' providing health checks and cancer prevention information.
While I can't participate in the marathon due to a spinal injury, I will be in attendance to cheer on the runners. I was very proud of audiences during my recent tour who generously donated £952 at theatre collections, as well as those who donated an amazing £2,475 to my online fundraiser.
What I've learned in my time as ambassador for Cancer Focus NI and in meeting Dr Turkington is that there's no 'magic bullet' for cancer. Treatment will involve a war of attrition, where researchers will incrementally reduce the seriousness of the disease, one cancer at a time.
I found it heartening to discover that such research was happening here in NI with Dr Turkington and his team engaged in that battle. All they ask is we fund them adequately to fight this age-old enemy. So, if you can, please consider engaging in fundraising for Cancer Focus NI either by donating, leaving a bequest in your will or participating in one of their many events.
One of the most sobering statistics I learnt on my visit to Dr Turkington is that hundreds of referrals for cancer checks didn't happen due to Covid.
So, if you've been putting off getting checked, do it first thing Monday morning. The help is waiting, just reach out, as an early diagnosis is essential for a positive outcome - and hopefully you'll give me a slap on the back as you run past. Just don't hit me too hard - remember, I've an injury.
