Let Go of the Labels
This November, it’s time to Let Go of the Labels so people are diagnosed sooner.
Labels like smoker and never smoker can distort what’s really going on and deny people the change of an earlier, life saving diagnosis.
If someone has smoked, they can more reluctant to seek help because they feel guilty or ashamed, or presume their symptoms are directly caused by smoking.
If someone used to smoke, they may fail to recognise their ongoing risk of developing lung cancer.
If someone has never smoked, they often face many more visits to their GP or have their symptoms misdiagnosed because they don’t fit the ‘lung cancer stereotype’.
Whatever the label, it can have a direct impact on how quickly someone is diagnosed with lung cancer. We need to join together, let go of the labels and save lives.
Let Go of the Labels for Liam
Suffering with anxiety for much of his life, when Liam first went to his doctor with chest pain, his GP put his symptoms down to stress and increased his medication. At no point was Liam referred for a chest x-ray.
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lET gO OF THE LABELS FOR NICK
Nick had visited his GP on several occasions with various symptoms over an 18-month period. Each time, Nick mentioned his cough and each time he was told it was just a smoker’s cough.
Find out moreLiam and Nick are just two examples of why we need to let go of the labels. Click here to read more incredible stories from people living with lung cancer.
STAND WITH US
This November, we’re asking people to STAND WITH US and build an inclusive and unified community to improve attitudes to people with lung cancer. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can improve the lives of people with lung cancer.
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It felt like the only reason lung cancer wasn’t being investigated was because I was young and had never smoked. One senior registrar went as far as saying “You no more have lung cancer in your body than I do”.
It took Lucy over a year to be diagnosed
I want to raise awareness
Help raise awareness of lung cancer and the Let Go of the Labels campaign by sharing our messages on your socials and in your local area.
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I want to fundraise
Host a fundraiser this November and support our vital work. The money you raise will make a huge difference to people affected by lung cancer.
Find out moreWhat I hate, and still hate, is that when you tell someone you had lung cancer their immediate response is “Did you smoke?” and then a knowing nod when the answer is yes. It’s all about blame and, although I accept that smoking could well have contributed to my lung cancer, nobody says to an overweight person who is diagnosed with cancer that they should have managed their weight better.
Glen was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018
Raising awareness across the whole of the uk
This November, we are visiting Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland on our Let Go of the Labels roadshow. Find out where we’re headed and if you’re nearby, come down and meet the team.
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