From suspected long COVID to a lung cancer diagnosis
Karen, a 51-year-old mum, reflects on her lung cancer diagnosis and the importance of moving beyond smoker labels.
I’m Karen, a 51-year-old mum who treasures every moment spent with my children, friends, and family. My lung cancer journey began when my persistent cough and shortness of breath were initially thought to be long COVID or pneumonia. As a never-smoker, lung cancer wasn’t considered at first, and it was only after further tests, including a bronchoscopy, that I was diagnosed with EGFR+ Stage 4 lung cancer.
At first, I was told I might not see Christmas that year, but this will be my fourth Christmas since my diagnosis. I’m looking forward to spending it with my family, celebrating life’s small joys.
We need to move past the smoker vs. non-smoker labels when it comes to lung cancer. Anyone with lungs can get it, and early diagnosis is key to making sure more people have the chance to live and enjoy the life ahead of them.