11/09/2026
As part of Palliative Care Week 2026, a senior clinical psychologist who spent years supporting patients facing life-limiting illnesses has spoken about the shock of becoming a patient himself and is now encouraging others not to fear the words “palliative care”.
Dr Shane McCarney, previously worked in the Western Trust, including roles within brain injury services and palliative and oncology services.
In September last year, Shane received a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test result that was higher than expected. Having routinely monitored his PSA levels, the result came as a surprise and led to a series of tests and scans. On 12 December, he was diagnosed with stage four metastatic prostate cancer.
Reflecting on the diagnosis, Shane said:
“After the diagnosis, my focus quickly turned to treatment. At stage four, treatment is not about a cure. Instead, it is about controlling the disease for as long as possible, prolonging life and maintaining the best possible quality of life during that time.”
Shane is receiving treatment through the North West Cancer Centre and says he is grateful for the care and support he has received. While coming to terms with his diagnosis, he and his wife Olga decided to focus on setting goals for the future.
“Very quickly, my wife Olga gave me something positive to focus on. Together we decided to take part in the Ring of Kerry cycle in July. We completed 106 miles and although we were initially hesitant about sharing my diagnosis publicly, we decided to use the event to raise money for charity.”
The couple raised more than £18,500 for local charities, including the North West Cancer Centre, Termonmaguirc Cancer Patients Comfort Fund, Care for Cancer in Omagh and Prostate Cancer UK. Since then, Shane has continued to focus on maintaining his health and wellbeing through exercise and community programmes such as Move More.
Today, his appointments are every three months and he remains active, something he believes challenges common misconceptions about cancer and palliative care.
“People are often surprised when they see me. Many expect someone with advanced cancer or receiving palliative care to look unwell, to be in pain or to require constant medical support. Thankfully, that hasn’t been my experience.
“I’m still active, I’m still enjoying life and doing things that matter to me. It’s important for people to understand that someone living with stage four cancer may look just like anybody else.”
Drawing on both his professional and personal experiences, Shane hopes to reassure others who may be facing a similar diagnosis.
“If I have one message for people, it is not to be afraid of the words ‘palliative care’ because it is not what you think. Hearing those words can be frightening and many people immediately assume the worst.
“What I have learned is that palliative care is about helping people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible. It is about managing symptoms, supporting quality of life and helping people continue to do the things that matter most to them.
“Since my diagnosis, I have experienced an excellent quality of life. My treatment, the support available and the care I have received have allowed me to focus not just on living longer, but on living well.
“For me, palliative care means receiving the best possible care and support. It has given me confidence, reassurance and the opportunity to focus on making the most of every day.”
Shane added:
“When you hear the term palliative care, it doesn’t mean there are no options left. In my experience, it means you are being offered the best support available to help you live your life as fully as possible. That is something people should not fear.”