Carol Johnston, one of only two mesothelioma clinical nurse specialists in Northern Ireland, said the timeline from exposure to diagnosis can be challenging for patients to come to terms with as many will has “maybe contracted [mesothelioma] through their day-to-day work, maybe 30 or 40 years ago”.
“It can feel like a late diagnosis, but it’s not – it’s just prolonged in how it behaves and how it presents itself.”
Ms Johnston works with Stephanie Todd to provide regional support services to patients and their families in the form of specialist clinical advice, emotional support, and practical information.
The service began in September 2024, bringing Northern Ireland in line with care offered across the rest of the UK.
Since then, it has received more than 60 referrals for people like Patrick from across the region.
He said it has been an “open door” for help and reassurance.
“I’m fortunate that, even though I’ve got this disease, I’m getting the very best of treatment, the very best of care,” he said.