Stewart Dickson MLA calls for urgent action on brain cancer inspired by Co Antrim young mum Rachael

Alliance MLA for East Antrim, Stewart Dickson, has delivered a powerful appeal in the Northern Ireland Assembly for increased research funding and improved treatment pathways for brain cancer patients — inspired by a courageous 23-year-old County Antrim mum named Rachael.

Speaking during a debate on Tuesday (7 October), Mr Dickson praised Rachael’s “incredible bravery” in speaking out about her battle with an inoperable brain tumour while caring for her two-year-old child.

“Rachael is just twenty-three years old and the mother of a two-year-old child. Last year she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. She has already outlived her initial prognosis but continues to endure distressing and debilitating symptoms,” Mr Dickson said.

“Despite this, Rachael and her family have chosen not to remain silent, but to campaign for change. It is on her behalf that I ask Members today to sign the UK petition on brain cancer.”

‘Her call is urgent and justified’

Alliance MLA for East Antrim, Stewart Dickson, speaking in the Assembly on Tuesday.

The Alliance MLA, who himself is a cancer survivor, shared his personal experience to underline the urgency of improving outcomes for brain cancer patients.

“In 2019, I received a cancer diagnosis that would change my life forever: oesophageal cancer. I was given a second chance at life; I am proud to Chair the APG on Cancer,” he said.

“Today, however, I want to turn the Assembly’s attention to a cancer that desperately needs our focus: brain cancer.”

Highlighting stark statistics, Mr Dickson noted that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 in the UK, claiming more lives than many other major cancers.

“Brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, more women under 35 than breast cancer, and more children than leukaemia. Every day, 33 people in the UK will be diagnosed with a brain tumour, and over 5,000 will die from one each year,” he said.

“Brain cancer is indiscriminate. It can affect anyone, at any age. There are no preventative measures and little benefit from early detection. Without research, without funding, without innovation, brain tumours will remain a death sentence for too many.”

Funding and support called ‘woefully inadequate’

Mr Dickson criticised the lack of investment and research in the area, pointing out that brain tumour research accounts for just one per cent of national cancer funding.

“Here in Northern Ireland, between 2018 and 2022, more than 800 people were diagnosed with a brain tumour, an average of over 160 each year. Survival rates, however, have barely improved in decades — the clearest possible sign of neglect,” he said.

He added that Northern Ireland’s cancer waiting times are among the worst in the UK, warning that “for brain cancer, every week counts.”

After years of underinvestment and political stalemate, Mr Dickson urged the Health Minister to act decisively:

“We need a Cancer Strategy that treats brain tumours not as an afterthought, but as a priority. We need targeted research funding, proper clinical trials infrastructure, and workforce planning that addresses shortages in oncology, radiology, and specialist nursing.”

He also called for better rehabilitation and psychological support to ensure patients’ quality of life, not just survival, and praised Brainwaves NI, Northern Ireland’s only volunteer-led brain tumour research and support charity.

‘It’s time for action’

Closing his address, Mr Dickson urged Members and the public to back the petition calling for greater investment and action on brain cancer research.

“This is not about statistics. It is not about political point scoring. It is about people like Rachael. It is about her two-year-old child. And it is about all of the families across Northern Ireland who deserve more than our sympathy. They deserve our urgent action,” he said.

“Brain tumours are among the most devastating forms of cancer, yet they remain underfunded, under-researched and misunderstood. Without investment they will continue to mean a death sentence. That must change.”

“It’s time to end delays — in funding, in diagnosis and in treatment. Research and prompt treatment paths offer the only real hope of transforming survival and quality of life. It is time for action: fully funded research, delivery of new treatments and a future where families are finally given a fighting chance.”

Mr Dickson is encouring fellow MLA’s and the community across County Antrim to sign the petition (tap button below), calling for greater government resources and research to tackle the deadly disease.

SIGN PETITION

VIDEO: Alliance MLA for East Antrim, Stewart Dickson, speaking in the Assembly on Tuesday.