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 impact on how quickly someone is diagnosed with lung cancer. We need to join together, let go of the labels and save lives.
Liam’s story
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. Liam’s parents share his story to try and help others get diagnosed faster.
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Nick’s story
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. Then he coughed up blood…
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Alison’s story
Alison wasn’t too concerned by her symptoms. She was feeling tired and was having intermittent chest pains. But her GP was great and sent her for a chest x-ray ‘as a precaution’. That chest x-ray saved her life.
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Joe’s story
After a couple of rounds of antibiotics, Joe realised something wasn’t right. He booked another appointment and saw a different GP who immediately sent him for an x-ray. 13 years on and Joe remains cancer-free.
Find out moreWhat to do if you have symptoms?
The key to detecting lung cancer early is to work fast and work together. We recognise people can face delays to their diagnosis, but it is everyone’s aim to get people diagnosed as quickly as possible. To help, we’ve put together this blog so you can get the most out of your appointment and work with your doctor to understand what is causing your symptoms and ease any worries or anxieties you may have.
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As a former GP, I was fully aware of the most common signs of lung cancer – shortness of breath, repeat chest infections and, of course, an ongoing cough. So, when I started to experience back pain, lung cancer never crossed my mind. I just put to down to clearing out the garage.
Sally has been living with stage 4 lung cancer for over 10 years
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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You can’t help but have those what if moments. What if I’d had an x-ray after the first round of antibiotics? What if I’d had a CT scan sooner? Did the fact that I didn’t smoke have an impact on the doctor’s decisions?
“I try not to dwell on these questions too much but it’s important they’re asked because they could make all the difference to someone else.
Richard is living with stage 4 lung cancer
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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Thank you to our campaign sponsors who have supported some of the campaign activity:
Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicines | Irwin Mitchell Solicitors | Insurancewith | Roche UK