Positive outlook as Michael Noonan ‘recovers well’ from cancer

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has revealed he is recovering well from cancer and intends to stand again in the general election unless his health deteriorates.

The Limerick TD was diagnosed with a sarcoma on his right arm last February and had to undergo surgery and radiotherapy.

The minister said his doctor, the former Olympic swimmer Gary O’Toole, had recommended he took to the water to restore lost muscle, rather than have physiotherapy.

“The operation took away some muscle and I was swimming right through August and got a lot of the mobility back. I got it all back actually. I am the only one in Ireland who is swimming under prescription,” Mr Noonan told RTÉ.

The minister said his recovery was going well and he now had check-ups every four to six months.

“I am fit and well again. I was with my consultant in St Luke’s last week. He told me all my scans are clear .There is no incidents of cancer anywhere else in my system,” he said.

Mr Noonan said he wanted to run again at the next general election, slated for spring 2016. He said the only thing that would prevent him standing would be if his health “deteriorates”.

The 71-year-old minister had surgery following five weeks of radiotherapy after developing a lump, known as a sarcoma.

The finance minister made the skin cancer revelation in June following speculation about his health.

At the time, he said: “In February 2014, I noticed a lump on my right arm in the shoulder area. On medical examination, this was identified as a sarcoma which needed to be removed.

“During late March and April, I received five weeks’ radiotherapy at St Luke’s Hospital to shrink the sarcoma. My medical team believe the treatment has gone very well and are upbeat about the prognosis. There is no damage to my shoulder muscle and my risk of recurrence is low.”

Former Fianna Fáil finance minister, Brian Lenihan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at Christmas 2009, and remained in his cabinet post until that government was removed from office in the February 2011 general election.

Mr Lenihan died from the illness later that year.