To this day, Ann Knowlden from Rochester still pinches herself that her lung cancer was caught early. If she really thinks about it, she’s still not completely sure why her GP sent her for that initial chest x-ray. After all, she only went in about a bump on her hand and happened to mention she’d had a lingering cold. She is eternally grateful they took that extra step.
Now, 10 years on, Ann shares her story in the hope that others might be just as fortunate.
The start of her story
“It all started so innocently. I’d noticed a bump on my hand, but working as a home help, I assumed it was just wear and tear. Even so, I went to the doctor and ended up seeing a locum.
“They looked at my hand, weren’t overly worried, but decided to send me for an x-ray. While I was there, I mentioned that I’d also had a cold for about a month. They listened to my chest — which sounded clear — but chose to send me for a chest x-ray too.
“The day after the x-rays, I got a phone call. I presumed it was about my hand, but instead they told me they’d spotted an ‘unidentifiable mark’ on my lung. The doctors didn’t seem alarmed; they thought it might be scarring or calcification. I was put on the two-week fast-track pathway and had a blood test, a CT scan (which was inconclusive), a lung function test and a PET scan.
“The results showed something on my lung. That was all they could tell me. They couldn’t biopsy it, so there was no firm diagnosis. One option was to watch and wait for a year, but I didn’t want to do that. My gut told me it needed to come out.
“And my gut was right.
“It was eventually confirmed that I had stage 1 lung cancer. I had my middle lobe removed, along with three lymph nodes. Because it was caught so early, I didn’t need any further treatment.
I am lucky
“I wish I could say cancer ended there, but six years later I faced breast cancer — completely unrelated. It was caught early again. Doctors said they detected it around two years before a lump would have formed.”
“When I tell people I’ve had both lung cancer and breast cancer, they look shocked and say how unlucky I am. But the truth is, I’m lucky. I’ve had two cancers, and I’m still here.
“This is why I want to share my story: to help people understand just how important early detection is — and how symptoms might not be what you expect. I didn’t have a cough. Nor did I smoke. I just had a prolonged cold.
“My experiences have made me much more aware of my own health. In the past, I would have brushed things off. Now, I want answers.
“Recently, I had a persistent cough and went for an x-ray. It came back clear, but the cough didn’t go away, so I pushed for more tests. My diagnosis has made me determined to advocate for myself, because I know symptoms can be so subtle.
“I was also very anxious when I reached my five-year all-clear. People assume you’d feel relieved, but I was scared to be discharged from regular scans. After all, I hadn’t had obvious symptoms the first time — how would I know if it came back?
“I spoke to my lung cancer nurse, who discussed it with my consultant. They agreed I could have a CT scan at six years and an x-ray at seven for extra peace of mind. My consultant even wrote to my GP to say that if I ever came in with symptoms, or was feeling anxious, it would be advisable to give me an x-ray.
Giving back
“Last month, I took on the Walk a Mile a Day challenge for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. My son actually spotted it first and encouraged me to sign up.
“I remember Roy Castle vividly from when I was younger, especially his Tour of Hope. When I was diagnosed, I turned to the charity’s website for information and support It felt fitting to give something back to a cause that has meant so much to me.
10 years of living
“I am so grateful for these past 10 years. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself when I think about everything that has happened.
“I have been so lucky to have the love and support of my family. They have been my rock through it all. And now I try to make the most of every day with them, enjoying many special moments with my husband and family – walks, birthdays, anniversaries and barbeques. I’ve had the joy of watching my grandchildren grow up.
“In December 2023, my middle son Ben and I even made it to Iceland. We’d tried to go several times, but life kept getting in the way. We stayed in an apartment on the high street, saw glaciers and waterfalls, and even witnessed the Northern Lights. It was incredibly emotional — especially because I never thought I’d get the chance to be there.”