In this deeply personal and thought-provoking MedTalk, I welcome Lorna Pirozzolo from Cancer.je — an advocate, aviation professional, and woman living with incurable stage 4 breast cancer.

Together, we speak openly about cancer, identity, suffering, advocacy, and one of the most polarising topics in healthcare today: assisted dying.

Lorna shares her extraordinary journey – from discovering a small lump at the age of 41 to navigating metastatic breast cancer, BRCA2 mutations, chemotherapy, mastectomy, pancreatitis, ICU stays, and the emotional reality of living with terminal illness.

We also discuss:

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and hereditary cancer risk

Living with metastatic breast cancer

Shared experiences with biopsies and cancer diagnostics

The psychological and physical burden of treatment

Patient dignity and autonomy

Why conversations about death should not be taboo

One sentence from this MedTalk stayed with me deeply:

“We do not shorten life — we shorten death.”

A powerful perspective from Lorna while discussing assisted dying and the realities many terminally ill patients face during the active process of dying.

This conversation is emotional, honest, uncomfortable at times—and incredibly important.

Another unbelievably strong woman I had the privilege to welcome to MedTalks.🎧

Listen now and join the conversation with openness, empathy, and respect.

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