Members of the House of Lords cried as Tessa Jowell declared: “In the end, what gives a life meaning is not only how it is lived, but how it draws to a close.”
The former Labour Culture Secretary was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 that she described as “acute and very serious.”
Jowell said she had no apparent symptoms and felt compelled to speak in the Lords about an issue she now has “a tremendous sense of mission” for.
She delivered an emotive speech about her battle, receiving a minute-long standing ovation from hundreds of peers after calling for a range of treatments to be more readily available on the NHS.
For what would every cancer patient want? To know that the best, the latest science was being used – wherever in the world it was developed, whoever began it.
What else do they want? They need to know they have a community around them – supporting and caring. Being practical and kind.
For while doctors look at the big picture, we can all be a part of the human-sized picture.
Seamus Heaney’s last words were: Noli timere, do not be afraid. I am not afraid, but I am fearful that this new and important approach may be put into the ‘too difficult’ box.
But I also have such great hope.
So many cancer patients collaborate and support each other every day. They create that community of love and determination wherever they find each other.
All we now ask is that doctors and health systems learn to do the same. Learn from each other.
In the end, what gives a life meaning is not only how it is lived, but how it draws to a close.
I hope this debate will give hope to other cancer patients like me. So that we can live well with cancer, not just be dying of it.
All of us. For longer.
Ms Jowell has been diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour known as glioblastoma, she says it affects her on a day-by-day basis.
She has called for more international collaboration in cancer research, for patients to have more access to alternative treatments and for more brain surgery centres to have access to the best treatments.
Once Jowell had concluded her speech, members of the public and onlooking MPs, including the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, stood to applaud.
Watch the teary reception below.
'Give hope to other cancer patients like me' – There were tears and a minute-long standing ovation after @TessaJowell's speech on cancer care in the House of Lords. pic.twitter.com/V5n9e23YCD
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) January 25, 2018
