A diagnosis no one was looking for
Not every lung cancer is found by looking for it.
Maria, from the UK, was diagnosed in 2022 after tests for a gallbladder problem led somewhere no one expected. She had no lung symptoms at all.
Her experience is a reminder that lung cancer is sometimes found through the investigation of something else, and of how much steadiness a person needs at the point where the news arrives.
Maria’s words
"In June 2022 I was diagnosed with lung cancer through investigation for a problem with my gallbladder. I was asymptomatic.
I had been referred for upper gastrointestinal investigation, and it was found through those tests.
I was sent to the thoracic team for a lobectomy. I woke up to find the procedure had been abandoned because the cancer had already spread, to lymph nodes, the pleura and nodules.
I woke up stage 4, with a prognosis of twelve months. Biopsies and blood tests confirmed EGFR-positive, Exon 19 deletion, non-small-cell lung cancer. I started osimertinib in September 2022.
I can only really talk about the journey after diagnosis. It is scary. For me, I trusted my team. I was in shock. What I would suggest to anyone is this. Have a loved one with you to speak for you and to listen. Ask questions. Write everything down. Get contact details and use them. Seek support when you are able."
Hard-won feedback
Maria had none of the symptoms usually linked to lung cancer. There was nothing to point to it. The cancer was found only because she was being investigated for a separate gallbladder problem, through an upper gastrointestinal referral. Her experience shows that lung cancer is sometimes picked up sideways, during care for something else, and that the moment of diagnosis can come as a complete shock to someone who felt well.
Maria does not offer advice about the primary care stage itself, because for her there were no lung symptoms to bring to a GP. What she offers instead is hard-won guidance for the moment the news lands. Bring someone with you. Ask questions. Write things down. Keep the contact details you are given, and use them. Reach for support when you can.
