MHK Julie Edge has lifted the lid on her own personal cancer battle as she hits out at the ’absolutely appalling’ wait faced by some patients.

Ms Edge said it is not good enough that some cancer patients don’t have their first appointment within 14 days of being referred for treatment.

She told the Manx Independent: ’Cancer anxiety is awful - cancer survivor is better but that is only helped by early diagnosis and treatment. Fourteen days is the key. As a cancer patient myself in the last two years, I know personally what it feels like when waiting.’

The Onchan MHK says it is a difficult enough for newly-diagnosed patients without the anxiety of waiting to be seen.

Just 55.9% of breast cancer patients and just over 60% of colorectal cancer patients were seen within the two-week target over the last 12 months.

Ms Edge, who has raised the issue in the House of Keys, says care for people is vital and it ’does not matter if there is increased demand’.

Now she has decided to speak out in depth for the first time to the Manx Independent about her own ordeal with breast cancer.

She said: ’When you have a routine test like a mammogram, waiting for the results is an anxious time and we all hope that letter drops through the door saying you’re OK for the next two years.

’We are very lucky in the Isle of Man to have a two-year review programme, the UK is three years, and on that basis my outcome may have been very different.

’I was sitting in Tynwald in February 2019 (the Budget sitting) when my personal phone rang numerous times from an unknown number.

’The calls persisted into the afternoon sitting, at which point I thought I had best excuse myself and take the call.

’It was news I wasn’t expecting but it was to attend a clinic appointment following my routine test.

’Having worked in Noble’s Hospital radiology department, I suspected it was not good news and prepared myself.

’On arrival there were tissues on the table so that confirmed it for me. At that point they then have to carry out biopsies and further tests which means more waiting for results.

’The consultant was amazing, firm on informing me it was cancer but with empathy and with a cancer nurse specialist in attendance who acts as a link for the patient, from this point onwards, within the breast clinic service.

’I was fortunate I waited only a short time (although more than 14 days) but it was pre-Covid.

’I didn’t miss an opportunity to discuss concerns with the consultants etc on what issues they were facing in their field of expertise. It was quite clear that the support was not there for ensuring locums were booked to cover consultants’ absences etc which was resulting in delays at that time.

’I spoke to nurses and fellow patients and the pressures due to staffing shortages/absences were immense - seemingly due to bad planning in ensuring appropriate specialist cover was in place for annual or pre-booked leave.

’I did the same when at Clatterbridge. I recognised Manx faces and spoke to them about their varying experiences. Some waited longer than the recommended time and sadly some of the people I met at Clatterbridge are no longer with us.

’The service from Clatterbridge, a "centre for excellence", was second to none and all Isle of Man patients I met spoke highly of how wonderful it was.

’Doctors and nurses want everyone to survive and they do their best, but if the patient arrives with them too late it makes their job much more difficult.

’I sincerely hope we can move to a guaranteed 14-day pathway to help support patients and families during what is an extremely anxious time. It is a time when a patient needs answers and surety of the next steps, not delays, so they can then start to deal with the situation they find themselves in.

’During those anxious days of waiting for the next steps, operation and radiotherapy, I personally went to sleep at night thinking I have cancer and it could be spreading.

’I want the island to be the best it can be for all and that includes excellent first-class health care, which I believe we certainly had when I worked at Noble’s Hospital when it operated under a board structure. I remain hopeful Manx Care and its board will get cancer services back on track.

charities

’Thank goodness we have charities willing to step in and offer support at the current time, but ultimately we need guaranteed services within recommended timescales of 14 days.

’I would like to see something similar to the "Maggie Smith" centre developed in the island, designed to supports patients and their families in providing practical and emotional support for people living with cancer.

’Cancer anxiety is awful - cancer survivor is better but that is only helped by early diagnosis and treatment.

’I continued to work right through from my operation and treatment, not to the delight of my consultants or support, but fortunate at that time to be able to work remotely.

’Cancer diagnosis is one of the worst you can hear, everyone will deal with it differently, but the Isle of Man needs to start prioritising and providing the care and service and putting the patient at the centre in the hope that many more will get the opportunity to "ring the bell" on completion of their treatment journey.’

Ms Edge was later confirmed as being all-clear.