Today with Claire Byrne Breast Cancer and 'the right to be forgotten'
Oct 10, 2025
Lydia Whelan, a courageous young breast cancer survivor, shares her impactful journey from diagnosis at 32 to recovery. She discusses the challenges of treatment and the emotional turmoil of house buying amidst her illness. Lydia highlights the financial hurdles, including mortgage protection struggles and the importance of support from family. The conversation also features the Right to Be Forgotten campaign, advocating for patients' rights, and emphasizes early detection for younger women—a passionate plea for awareness in the fight against cancer.
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Diagnosis Upends House Purchase
- Lydia found a breast indentation incidentally and moved quickly to get it checked by her GP and specialist tests.
- A diagnosis disrupted her nearly-complete house purchase and mortgage protection, causing huge emotional stress.
Kept The House With Workarounds
- Lydia and her partner ultimately secured the house by using family help and a home improvement loan.
- The mortgage sits in her partner Colm's name because insurers wouldn't allow her immediate inclusion.
Cancer's Financial Impact Equals Medical Burden
- Financial fallout is a central part of the cancer experience and can be as devastating as the diagnosis.
- The Irish Cancer Society pushed 'Right to Be Forgotten' advocacy because insurance barriers block life milestones post-treatment.