Jennifer, a mother of two, has explained how she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer after doctors found it by chance.
She told The Patient Story that the first clue appeared after a car accident. Scans showed a “spot” on her lung. However, she did not learn it was cancer at the time. Around 10 months later, she went to her doctor with symptoms she thought were a sinus infection. Tests and scans then revealed a tumour on her lung, leading to the diagnosis.
The news came as a shock. Jennifer said she had always lived a healthy lifestyle. She ran 5K races, stayed active, and ate well. She also felt tired, but blamed it on everyday life, including a long commute and raising two teenagers.
Jennifer now takes a targeted medication every day. She said it helps, but the side effects are constant. Even if she “doesn’t look sick,” she says the treatment still impacts her daily routine.
She is now calling for earlier lung cancer screening. Jennifer believes people should be checked from age 35, similar to screening for other cancers. She said more people under 50, especially women, are being diagnosed, and many do not see lung cancer as a risk for young, healthy adults.
Jennifer was diagnosed five years ago. She praised research and clinical trials for improving treatment options. She also said the support of the lung cancer community has helped her stay hopeful and focused on taking things one step at a time.