Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 13% of all new cancer cases. It’s unfortunately also the most common cause of cancer death.

For lung cancer awareness month, we’re sharing the driving progress our research is making, thanks to our supporters, for people affected by the disease.

Here, four people who have experienced lung cancer share their stories.

Susie’s story

“After that, everything happened very quickly. I was immediately called back to the GP and told I would need to be referred to a specialist.

“I had an appointment within a couple of days, and all kinds of scans, and was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was not a shock, as I had been a smoker for 30 years and realised with the speed of my referral to a specialist centre and all the tests that something must be wrong.”

In June 2017 Susie had surgery to remove the bottom lobe of her right lung and some of her lymph nodes.

She then had immunotherapy and chemotherapy – pembrolizumab with cisplatin – and radiotherapy. When her treatment was over, her scans showed no signs of cancer.

“In June, when I was diagnosed, I was asked if I would join the TRACERx study funded by Cancer Research UK to look at the make-up of non-small cell lung cancer and how it changes over time with a view to developing better treatments. I was followed up every six months at the time of my usual follow-up with the consultant until my last appointment in July 2022. I had scans and blood was taken, the organisers also received cancer tissue from my surgery to analyse.”

Warren’s story

Warren is an avid runner, has never smoked and is generally fit and healthy, so he thought nothing of it when he developed a cough in 2021 that came and went.

After several more tests he still didn’t have a diagnosis, but his consultant had spotted something in his lung that would need to be removed with surgery.

“It was not the greatest Christmas knowing I was facing lung surgery the following month, but at the same time I was glad to be getting out whatever was there. I was told I would not lose much of my lung function and there was no sign of any spread, which was the outcome I was hoping for.”

Warren had surgery to remove part of his left lung on 21 January.

“While the first cycle passed without incident, I developed horrendous side effects from the second cycle onwards. My hair thinned out completely and I had fatigue and nausea, although they were well controlled with medication, and my team did all they could to help me – the quality of my care was excellent.”

Scans in May showed that the chemotherapy was working and Warren had four weeks of radiotherapy in August.

In January 2023, following four-monthly scans which were all clear, Warren was signed off as fit to fly again so that he could return to work. He’s been back working on long-haul flights and running 15-20 miles a week since.

“Although I am living my best life again, I am planning to start counselling to help me cope with the anxiety over whether my cancer will come back, as I have been agitating at every little sign of illness. I am also planning to do some fundraising runs for Cancer Research UK and other charities like the Roy Castle Trust.”

Eileen’s story

She was able to complete the course with no side effects and 18 months later the immunotherapy was approved for use.

Since then, Eileen continues to have regular check-ups every six months.

“Hopefully research will help to find a cure one day, but it might also help to develop quicker and kinder treatments too. New treatments are also giving people more time and a better quality of life as well.”

Jennifer’s story

“I found out I had cancer by accident. In 2012 I was diagnosed with pneumonia, strangely enough on a beautiful day in May, and in March 2013 the latest of several follow-up X-rays showed what the doctor thought was an abscess on my left lung.”

After several more tests and investigations, in July 2013 Jennifer was told she had stage 2b lung cancer.

At only 39, and with no history of smoking, this was a huge shock to Jennifer.

“There were no complications, but I was left very breathless as I struggled to get used to managing with just one lung. At its worst it would take me 10 minutes to be able to get up in the morning, but eventually I was fit enough to hold down my new and current job as a catering assistant.

“Life has been better since I was told in December 2013 that I was cancer free.  Getting married has always been one of my dreams, but in March 2016 it became a reality.  Andrew and I have been together since 2001, and he was extremely supportive during my illness; I think he was more emotionally overcome than I was when we finally got married.

“Now the future looks bright, and I feel extremely lucky to have been given a second chance at life. There really is hope after cancer.”