Terminal cancer diagnosis for Corrie character

Coronation Street’s Sinead Tinker is to be given the devastating news that a resurgence of her cancer is terminal.

In scenes to be aired next week on ITV, STV and UTV, Sinead (Katie McGlynn) will be rocked by the discovery of a growth on her neck as she prepares to marry Daniel (Rob Mallard). The couple go to hospital the next day and are dealt the cruel blow that the cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and her liver, and that she has only months to live.

“Daniel and Sinead are just broken, we just tried to play it with as much realism as we could, they’re both in disbelief. Sinead doesn’t understand she just wants to be a mum to Bertie, she wants to know how long she’s got left. They’re both completely devastated and in shock and all the emotion just comes pouring out. I’ve been working with Mummy’s Star, they specialise in helping families and women who’ve been suffering from cancer in or around pregnancy. It’s been really helpful chatting to them, some of the families and the founder Pete Wallroth who’ve been through this in real life. Every story is different, and it’s quite a unique experience battling cancer in pregnancy, Sinead blames herself, so their advice and support has been very gratefully received.” – Katie McGlynn

In the coming weeks Sinead will struggle to come to terms with the harsh reality of her situation as Daniel tries to make plans for a future without his wife and the mother of their son Bertie.

Sinead was previously diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018; then pregnant she temporarily avoided treatment out of concern for her unborn child. She soon reconsidered, however, and appeared to be responding well to the recommenced treatment – being told in July that a cancerous growth had shrunk with no signs of the disease spreading – but next week she is devastated by the news that the cancer is now aggressive and untreatable.

Coronation Street has been working with the charities Mummy’s Star and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to accurately depict Sinead’s plight.

“Cancer in pregnancy is a subject that few understand and even less realise happens to 2 women a day in the UK, so to have been asked by the Coronation Street team to work with them in advising on the storyline over the last 12 months with Rob and Katie has been both a pleasure and a wonderful opportunity. They have listened to first hand accounts from women, asked for so much advice and this has been reflected so professionally and realistically on screen through their portrayal of Sinead and Daniel’s harrowing experiences. We know this has helped reach new audiences in terms of awareness and we are very thankful to the whole team at Coronation Street for giving the subject this platform and in doing so, indirectly helping more families.” – Pete Wallroth CEO of Mummy’s Star

It is estimated that 49,000 women are living with or beyond cervical cancer in the UK. Around 3,200 women receive a diagnosis each year and just over 800 will lose their life every year, over 2 a day

“Nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day in the UK and if caught early it is a very treatable cancer so it is fantastic that the programme has been able to raise awareness of the disease. Sadly Sinead has an advanced diagnosis. We have been working very closely with Coronation Street on this incredibly moving and poignant storyline over the last year to ensure it is portrayed as accurately and sensitively as possible. If you have concerns about your own health then please do get in touch as we can answer your questions and provide support at every step.” – Rebecca Shoosmith, Head of Support Services, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust