As we all know, today is world cancer day. Earlier on, I attended the launch of the cancer dashboard for Ireland prepared by the Swedish Institute for Health Economics. The report made some very good points and is a really interesting read. However, today, something unexpected happened to me. At the launch, I came face to face with my oncologist from 12 years ago, Professor John Kennedy, and I had not seen him in over ten years. Seeing him again today was genuinely emotional and it was so random that it was on world cancer day. He was a huge part of my breast cancer journey. At a time when my world had become very small and uncertain, he represented hope. I always knew that when I walked into the hospital to see him, his objective was simple: to get rid of my cancer and give me back my life. Today, I finally had a chance to say thank you.

We talk a lot about data, outcomes and systems. All of that is so important but behind every statistic is a person, a family and a team of professionals doing really difficult work every single day. The staff who treat and care for people with cancer carry an enormous responsibility. It cannot be an easy job. They deliver life-changing news. They walk alongside people through fear and uncertainty and they continue to show compassion even in the hardest of circumstances. Today reminded me that while policies and programmes shape our health services, it is people, dedicated skills and deeply caring people, who truly change lives. I will always be grateful for those who looked after me.