An ovarian cancer drug, niraparib, approved for the treatment of NI

An anti-cancer drug that could extend the life of patients has been approved for the first time in Northern Ireland.

Women will have access to niraparib, which is already available from the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales.

The drug will be available for women with recurrent ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed every year on average out of 221 women in Northern Ireland.

Niraparib acts as a targeted treatment and exploits the specific weaknesses of cancer cells, preventing them from repairing themselves.

The drug has the potential to improve the quality of life of women with the disease and to prolong the period during which the disease is stable and does not progress.

Carol Bareham, 45, from Larne, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016 and hopes to use niraparib.

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"The only choice that women like me have had so far, especially if the cancer recurs outside the pelvic area, was chemotherapy," she told BBC News.

"After each session of chemotherapy, the effects fade more quickly, there is a shorter period before the next session.

"It's not going to cure me, it's not going to do anything like that, but if I can use it, it'll keep chemotherapy at bay."

"What choice do I have?

Ms. Bareham said the relief from the drug could give her precious time with her husband Neil, his 16-year-old daughter Thea and her 14-year-old son Elliot.

"It's very difficult for them to cope with what's going on and try to succeed in school," she said.

"From day one, I said that I did not want the fact that your mom has cancer to have an impact on their activities or at school.

"I'm one of those eejits, there are gray clouds coming in but I'll be there with a silver brush.

"My choice is what choice do I have? I can roll myself into a ball or suck it as long as there is still life in me and fight this disease."

Charity Target Ovarian Cancer said the availability of this drug would "change the game".

"The women of Northern Ireland have finally parity with the rest of the UK.

"With niraparib, we are fighting ovarian cancer," said Rebecca Rennison, director of public affairs and agency services.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said: "The ministry has approved the NIR (National Institutes of Health and Care Execellence) recommendation on niraparib to enable its commissioning locally, on the same basis as that of the NIRPARIB. in England".

NICE is a national authority providing advice to the NHS and other health and welfare organizations.