I am currently living with the aftermath of having had Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive and hard-to-treat form of cancer. After being diagnosed with Stage 3 TNBC, I underwent chemotherapy, both my breasts were removed, and eight lymph nodes were taken out, with all cancer cleared except for one node. I've been told that I am clear for now, but TNBC is known for its high recurrence rate and its aggressive nature.

One of the most terrifying aspects of TNBC is the lack of reliable detection methods for recurrence. Standard blood tests cannot detect it, and recurrence is often only discovered once a new tumour has formed or it has already spread to other organs, sometimes not becoming apparent until it is too late for effective intervention.

The Signatera blood test offers a beacon of hope for early detection. It is designed to assess the presence of cancer at a molecular level and could indicate if TNBC has spread into the bloodstream long before a tumour forms. Access to this test could mean catching a recurrence before it becomes more challenging to treat, potentially saving lives by allowing for earlier intervention strategies.

However, currently, the Signatera blood test is not available on the NHS in Northern Ireland, leaving many like me in a precarious position where we must wait and see if cancer returns. This anticipation can be mentally, emotionally and physically draining, overshadowing the lives of those in the recovery process.

By making this test available on the NHS, we can provide hope and resources to TNBC patients and their families by offering them a clear pathway for monitoring their health through more accurate, timely diagnostics. This would not only improve peace of mind but also quality of care.

I am calling on the health authorities in Northern Ireland to recognise the importance of this test for those battling TNBC and to make it accessible for every cancer patient who might benefit from it. We must take proactive steps in fighting cancer, not just reactive ones.

Please sign this petition to urge the NHS in Northern Ireland to fund and provide the Signatera blood test for patients who need it. Together, we can make a difference, ensuring better healthcare outcomes for those affected by this ruthless disease. Can i just say i am doin this for signatures i dont receive any money yous donate so nobody needs to if they dont want and if they do its signing them up to mthly subscription .