55-year-old Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots, has been diagnosed with kidney cancer.
He openly discussed his cancer battle on the Stephen Nolan Show on BBC One earlier this week.
The DUP MLA said his cancer was discovered during a recent spell in hospital where he underwent an appendix operation.
Edwin Poots cancer
Within the space of 24 hours, the minister underwent surgery, was diagnosed with Covid-19, but was asymptomatic and was told he had a growth on his right kidney.
“I have a strong personal faith and I know some people will deride that and sneer, but I felt very strongly that God had put me on my back so that this would be discovered and that he has a further purpose for me in life. That is something that I took great comfort from.” he told the radio presenter.
The former health minister says he fears that the cancerous growth on his kidney could spread because of surgery delays due to Covid-19 pressures.
Surgery
He has been told that his surgery may be delayed for approximately six or eight weeks and is, therefore, considering private health care.
“At the end of the day, if I have to spend £10,000 or £15,000, I don’t know much it would be, to be honest.”
“If I have to spend that, I will do, because it is better to have something out of you that has the potential to take your life than carry on. It may be in England, the Republic of Ireland or here, I don’t know.”
“I wouldn’t rule it out and some people may criticise me for that but I’m not going to give up my life for a political ideology.”
Poots said his prognosis is “good” and he does not need radiotherapy or chemotherapy but requires an operation.
Listen to his full interview here.
