Mum with stage 4 cancer warns ‘do not fall for biggest lie’ she believed about illness

A mother-of-three, who received a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis last year, has shared a crucial misconception she believed about the illness, urging others not to fall for the same misunderstanding. Speaking on the TikTok channel Young Lung Cancer Is A Thing, the woman, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that she had previously thought that non-smokers were not at risk of developing lung cancer. However, as a non-smoker herself, she now knows this is not accurate. She reflected on her own journey, stating, “One of the biggest lies I was taught is, if you don’t smoke cigarettes, you won’t get lung cancer. Well, I am a non-smoker, and in November of 2023 I was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer.”

With a heartfelt tone, she continued to share the impact of her diagnosis on her family, expressing how it has completely upturned their lives. After undergoing various treatments such as radiation and surgery, she is now able to look beyond her diagnosis and observe the prevalence of the disease among other young individuals. As she approaches the one-year mark since her diagnosis, she aims to transform her experience into advocacy. Emphasizing the risk that lung cancer poses to anyone with lungs, she remarked, “I’m here to reiterate that anybody who has lungs is at risk of getting lung cancer.”

Statistics from the US’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that between 10 and 20% of lung cancer cases occur in individuals who have never smoked or have smoked very minimally. This equates to approximately 20,000 to 40,000 diagnoses annually. The NHS outlines key symptoms of lung cancer, including persistent cough, chest infections, coughing up blood, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Less common symptoms may involve changes in finger appearance, swallowing difficulties, wheezing, and chest pain. It is recommended to consult a GP if experiencing any signs related to lung cancer, even those less frequently mentioned.

In conclusion, the mother’s poignant message serves as a reminder that lung cancer does not discriminate based on smoking history, highlighting the importance of awareness and early detection in combating the disease.