Tickly cough was first sign of lung cancer for Ann
Ann’s early diagnosis meant her cancer could be treated quickly and successfully and she has been able to live a normal life since.
When she first went to her GP, she had a tickly cough. The doctor examined her and although her chest seemed clear, recommended an X-ray.
Ann, from Medway, said: “The day after my X-ray, I got a call to go back to my GP. My doctor told me something very small and unidentifiable had showed on my lung.
“As I had no previous chest X-ray he told me not to worry as it could be a scar or something that had always been there. My chest was clear apart from this. I did not unduly worry as he assured me that it may be nothing, but if it was something, it was a very early find.”
Ann went for further scans and X-rays which could not give a conclusive cancer diagnosis, but revealed cause for concern. Ann was advised that she could wait and see if her condition worsened, or have an operation at this stage without a conclusive diagnosis.
Ann, a mother and grandmother, said: “I could not just watch and wait. The doctors were concerned that they could putting me through a major operation unnecessarily, but as far as I was concerned if I had the operation and I did have lung cancer, then it was better to deal with it now.”
Early diagnosis
The operation revealed that Ann did have lung cancer. An 11mm growth was found, so a right lung middle lobectomy was carried out and lymph nodes removed.
Ann said: “The early diagnosis was such a very lucky find and I required no further treatment.
“My recovery was plenty of exercise to regain my lung capacity. I followed this and was able to get my life back on track and back to work about eight months later. I have had follow up CT scans yearly and I am at present four years clear.
“The doctor who originally referred me for the chest X-ray was over the moon that my early diagnosis had a successful outcome and it also proves that lung cancer, even in its very early stages, can be found on a routine X-ray.”