MP Ashley Dalton, leading Labour’s national cancer initiative as the health minister at the Department for Health and Social Care, has opened up about her battle with incurable metastatic breast cancer. Diagnosed just before last year’s general election, she is now sharing her journey during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to inspire and educate others.
In a poignant video on the DHSC’s platform, Dalton recalled her initial diagnosis of primary breast cancer in late 2013, expressing the devastation she felt upon hearing the news. Reflecting on the anxiety and uncertainty that followed, she highlighted the pivotal moment when her daughter’s simple words brought a sense of unity and determination to the family’s fight against cancer.
Encouraging open conversations about cancer, Dalton emphasized the importance of awareness and early detection, stressing that silence can be detrimental. She recounted how she and her family desensitized themselves to the word ‘cancer’ through repetition, underscoring the need for knowledge about symptoms, screenings, and treatments.
Having undergone mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy after her initial diagnosis, Dalton enjoyed remission for ten years until a recent recurrence revealed metastasis. Despite the grim prognosis, she continues her treatment at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, undergoing chemotherapy while balancing her responsibilities as a minister.
Dalton aims to challenge misconceptions about cancer patients, noting that her outward appearance may not align with common stereotypes. While acknowledging the uncertainty of her condition, she remains resilient and committed to her work, advocating for awareness and support for those affected by cancer.