People Who Have Been Cured of Cancer Still Face Financial Discrimination, Stormont MLAs Hear

MLAs at Stormont have heard from former cancer patients that they face significant discrimination when applying for insurance and mortgages, despite being cancer-free for more than five years. The evidence was presented at today’s All-Party Group on Cancer, supported by Cancer Focus NI and chaired by Stewart Dickson MLA.

MLAs heard from Professor Mark Lawler, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Digital Health at Queen’s University Belfast, who presented findings on ‘The Right to be Forgotten: Ending Financial Discrimination for Cancer Survivors in Northern Ireland’. He revealed that cancer survivors can face premium increases of up to 400% on life insurance and are frequently denied mortgages, despite medical evidence showing they are at no greater risk than the general population after five years of being cancer-free.

International experts Dr. Françoise Meunier, Founder of the European Initiative on Ending Discrimination against Cancer Survivors and Guillaume Kuch, Director of Borrowing Activities at CNP Assurances (France) presented compelling evidence from across Europe, highlighting France’s successful implementation of the Right to be Forgotten legislation. They demonstrated how the law has effectively protected cancer survivors while maintaining a viable insurance market.

In many European countries, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Cyprus and more recently Slovenia, legal protections ensure cancer survivors cannot be required to declare their cancer diagnosis to insurance companies after a specified period. In other countries including the Republic of Ireland, insurance companies have introduced a self-regulatory code of conduct. Just last week, the Republic of Ireland have committed to introducing legislation in the new draft Programme for Government, highlighting Northern Ireland’s position as one of the few regions in Western Europe without these protections.

Professor Mark Lawler said:

“The evidence that I’ve presented to our politicians is clear – cancer survivors are being unfairly penalised by the financial services industry. In Northern Ireland, we’re seeing young adults who had childhood cancers being denied mortgages in their 30s. This isn’t just about insurance premiums; it’s about allowing people to move forward with their lives. The success of Right to be Forgotten legislation in other European countries shows us there is a better way forward. It is time for Northern Ireland to join our European neighbours in protecting cancer survivors from this ongoing discrimination. This is not about compassion – it is about evidence and acting on that evidence. I implore our politicians to do the right thing and end this outrageous discrimination against the 100,000 cancer survivors in Northern Ireland”.

Richard Spratt, Chief Executive of Cancer Focus NI, said:

“Today’s meeting has highlighted the urgent need for legislative change in Northern Ireland. Cancer survivors have fought hard enough to overcome their disease – they shouldn’t have to fight financial discrimination too. We’re calling on our elected representatives to follow the European example and introduce Right to be Forgotten legislation here. The evidence presented today clearly shows this can be achieved while maintaining a robust insurance market.”

David Reid, a Macmillan Welfare Advisor and cancer survivor, shared his experience with MLAs:

“Cancer patients, both past and present, often face significant financial discrimination, which can limit their opportunities, such as purchasing a home or traveling to a dream destination. Cancer is no longer solely a disease of the elderly, as more young people are being diagnosed and achieving remission thanks to advances in treatments. With an increasing number of people reaching remission, it is crucial to implement the Right to Be Forgotten to ensure their opportunities are not unfairly restricted. I urge politicians at Stormont to introduce the Right to Be Forgotten, giving cancer survivors the chance to rebuild their lives without unnecessary barriers and making sure patients here are not left behind.”

Stewart Dickson MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on Cancer, said:

“The testimonies we have heard today are both powerful and deeply concerning. Cancer survivors in Northern Ireland deserve to live their lives free from the shadow of financial discrimination. The evidence presented to us is unequivocal – the Right to be Forgotten has worked successfully across Europe, ensuring fairness and dignity for cancer survivors. I will work to ensure that this issue is brought before the Assembly so that we can push for the necessary legislative changes. Cancer survivors deserve the same opportunities as anyone else to rebuild their lives, free from financial discrimination.”

Dr. Françoise Meunier, Founder of the European Initiative to End Discrimination against Cancer Survivors said:

“As I always say, cancer survivors should not pay twice. It is unacceptable that cancer patients once cured, have to face financial discrimination. The Right to Be Forgotten is essential for safeguarding key principles of human rights including human dignity, equality, and privacy.  Governments must ensure that all former cancer patients are granted the right to be forgotten, promoting equality and consumer rights.”