Altamuskin doctor shares his palliative care experience
Dr. Shane McCarney, a former clinical psychologist diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, is sharing his personal journey to raise awareness about palliative care. He and his wife completed a 106-mile charity cycle to demonstrate that life can continue with purpose despite a terminal diagnosis.
Why it matters
Personal narratives like this help destigmatize palliative care and provide emotional support for others facing life-limiting illnesses.
HE SPENT years supporting patients and families facing life-limiting illness in his role as a clinical psychologist.
But last December, Altamuskin man Dr Shane McCarney found himself on the other side of the conversation. The former Western Health and Social Care Trust psychologist, who worked in brain injury services as well as palliative and oncology care, was diagnosed with stage four metastatic prostate cancer.
Now, as part of Palliative Care Week 2026, Shane is sharing his own experience in the hope of challenging some of the misconceptions surrounding palliative care and reassuring others who may find themselves facing a similar diagnosis.
His journey began in September last year when a routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test showed a higher-than-expected result.
Having regularly monitored his PSA levels, the result came as a surprise and prompted a series of further tests and scans.
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