06/03/2025
Groundbreaking research funded by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, presenting the first estimates of people living with metastatic breast cancer in Northern Ireland, was unveiled today at Stormont to policymakers, charity representatives, and health officials, including Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. Organised by Cancer Focus NI, the event convened key stakeholders from the healthcare sector, patient advocacy groups, and government to explore strategies for addressing gaps in metastatic breast cancer care.
Welcoming over 40 people at the event, Richard Spratt, Chief Executive at Cancer Focus NI, expressed the charity’s pride at having funded the research and highlighted that the work has only just started, with more funding, research, and service provision needed to understand and meet the needs of local people living with metastatic breast cancer.
The event highlighted the urgent need for enhanced patient support and services, including the development of a dedicated Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Pathway, including a Secondary Breast Cancer Nurse for all, and support for prospective recording of all metastatic cancers by the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR). Advocates also emphasised the importance of using this research as a model to improve data collection and services for other metastatic cancer patients.
Metastatic breast cancer is an incurable condition that develops when breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, brain, or bones. On average, patients with metastatic breast cancer survive for two to three years. However, these patients are often overlooked, as they are not routinely recorded in Cancer Registries worldwide, leaving them feeling invisible and forgotten.
The study estimates that approximately 1,000 people are currently living with metastatic breast cancer in Northern Ireland, with around 250 new cases diagnosed annually. These findings provide a key new evidence-base to inform healthcare policy and service planning. Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) Director Dr. Damien Bennett, alongside his analyst colleagues Sinéad Hawkins and Helen Mitchell, presented the findings of the study to a packed audience at Parliament Buildings. Joined by patient advocate Ann McBrien and Breast Oncologist Dr. Kyle Crawford, the discussion underscored the need for action to ensure that patients receive the specialist care and support they need.
To access the study, click here