Shining light on cancer research breakthroughs

Marguerite Kiely

A compelling documentary due to air on TG4 later this month will reveal the profound impact of groundbreaking research on the lives of cancer patients.

In ‘Biseach ón Ailse’, broadcaster and cancer survivor Evelyn O'Rourke connects cancer survivors with devoted researchers of Cork-based charity Breakthrough Cancer Research and delves into the transformative effects of their work.

One of those featured in the documentary is Cork woman, Ann Marie O’Sullivan who was the first person in Munster to receive a new treatment (TCH-P) when she was diagnosed with cancer at the start of the Covid pandemic.

“It was May 2020 when I felt a lump in my armpit, I was 37 at the time,” she told the Cork Independent.

“I was diagnosed in the middle of June with stage 3 breast cancer, and it turned everything upside down.”

Adding to the strain, Ann Marie also had Covid restrictions to contend with. “It was difficult because inter-county travel wasn’t allowed. And at the time there was a huge emphasis from the doctors that I absolutely could not get Covid. So even though friends and family were very supportive it also felt like a risk to meet anybody. It was a scary time,” she said.

On the first day that she was due to get chemotherapy, the pharmacist informed Ann Marie that she would be getting an extra treatment, which she says felt like a glimmer of hope. “They knew that TCH-P was a powerful drug. It increased my chances of having more successful treatment and decreased the chances of the cancer returning. I was the first patient in Munster to receive it. The possibility that my chances were better felt hugely important to me at the time.”

The treatment went according to plan and Ann Marie’s body responded positively. “The cancer shrunk significantly, the following operation was a success and radiotherapy went well. Each step was built upon and the team were happier and happier,” she said.

“The treatment took a full year from start to finish. I was told my mammogram was clear, my ultrasound was clear, that they would see me in 6 months, and I would have 5 years of checkups,” she added.

Ann Marie says that she is grateful for both the innovative treatment she received and the people who volunteer for drug trials. “People put themselves forward for trials, they give up their time, their bodies and themselves and go down this road of treatment in the hope that it will benefit others. The impact of the trial and the people who sign up for it can’t be underestimated,” she said.

“I think it’s so invaluable and as someone who has been on the receiving end of a new drug I’m just so grateful for both the scientists but also the people who put themselves forward for trials, it’s a really selfless thing to do,” she added.

As part of the documentary, Ann Marie met with researchers from Breakthrough Cancer Research, a process she said she found fascinating.

“We filmed with the researchers; they are amazing people. They could be doing anything, but they are choosing to do this, and they are so dedicated. The scourge of cancer is everywhere, and they are working really hard to make improvements. The possibility and hope that comes from them is really breathtaking,” she said.

‘Biseach ón Ailse’ will air on TG4 on Thursday 22 June at 8.30pm.