Sophia speaking at the Lung Cancer Europe conference
Sophia is a mother of three. She was very fit and active, running and gardening, and had always thought of herself as a fairly healthy eater. Lung cancer was something she associated with heavy smoking.
“I’m not a hypochondriac, but I do listen to my body. ”
A cough that didn't feel right
Sophia started coughing a lot, and became breathless. As a very active person, she didn't understand what was happening. She went to see her GP.
Lung cancer at 58
A CT scan showed a nodule, a small spot on her lung. A month later, a follow-up scan showed it was lung cancer.
Sophia needed a PET scan, a biopsy and other tests, and the results showed it was ALK-positive, a type of lung cancer caused by a genetic change that is not inherited. Sophia asked for a second opinion, as she wondered whether radiotherapy might be better. But she was told surgery was the best option in her case. In July 2025, she had a lobectomy to remove the lower lobe of her right lung. Recovery wasn't easy, but she is really glad she pushed to get the CT scan and the extra tests.
In remission
Today, Sophia is in remission, and hopeful for the future. Her advice to anyone: if you feel too tired, too breathless on the stairs, or you're coughing too much, see your doctor, talk to them about your symptoms, and ask for tests. Get checked.
The healthcare professional side
Professor Jürgen Wolf, a medical oncologist, explains why testing for changes like ALK helps doctors choose the right treatment.
