On Wednesday 28th February, James Brokenshire MP returned to the House of Commons for his first Prime Minister’s Questions since lung cancer surgery.
During PMQs, James spoke openly about his treatment. He highlighted the vital role of early diagnosis in improving survival rates. He also stressed the need for a “speedily and widely implemented lung health programme”.
He finished by asking the Government to take action to reduce stigma and false judgement toward people with lung cancer.
An unexpected diagnosis
The former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland received a lung cancer diagnosis earlier in the new year. The diagnosis followed a single episode in which he coughed up a small amount of blood.
Because he acted quickly and had a supportive GP, doctors identified the cancer early. This meant he qualified for surgery with curative intent.
James now speaks openly about his experience. He hopes others can achieve the same outcome.
“Given my age, fitness and that I was a non-smoker, I didn’t fit the mould of a person at high risk of lung cancer, so when I cleared my throat and saw a small blob of blood in my tissue, it’s fair to say such a diagnosis wasn’t at the forefront of my mind. I did however feel that something was wrong and went to my GP straight away.
“I suppose I could have said ‘no, that’s fine, let’s leave it’. Similarly, I could have said ‘do you know what, I’m just too busy – I’ll go later’ but making time for yourself and your health has to be everyone’s number one priority.”
James Brokenshire MP knows the importance of patient advocacy
“My GP was very good in recognising that this was unusual and could see that I was concerned. Whilst he indicated that the symptom I showed could be explained by an infection, he felt that the right thing would be to send me for an x-ray. After the x-ray came back inconclusive, he was the one who said I should go and see a chest consultant – although as a non-cancer referral. Needless to say, I readily agreed.
“I went on to have a CT scan, bronchoscopy and PET scan – I chased up results at every stage – before finally receiving my diagnosis. My GP rang me up and sounded genuinely shocked. Even my consultant said she didn’t expect this.
“Two weeks after receiving my diagnosis, I had surgery to remove the upper lobe of my right lung.
Recovery and reflection
James continues to recover well from surgery. He has also received a huge number of supportive messages and well wishes.
“Reflecting now, I realise how lucky I was. I was lucky that my tumour bled and presented in the way that it did, that it was caught at a very early stage and that it was in a place that made surgery possible. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my GP for referring me on and I have nothing but praise for my NHS treatment.
“Since my diagnosis, I have learned a lot about lung cancer, most notably the importance of early detection and the role a patient can play in this.
“At any point I suppose I could have said ‘no, that’s fine, let’s leave it’. Similarly, I could have said ‘do you know what, I’m just too busy – I’ll go later’. At the time, I was heavily involved in the Northern Ireland and Brexit negotiations. In fact, there was an important cabinet meeting on the same day as my PET scan but making time for yourself and your health has to be everyone’s number one priority.
“I knew intuitively that something was very wrong and was determined to find out precisely what the problem was. I owed it to my family as much as myself and now I am so relieved I made the choices I did.”
Why early diagnosis matters
James recognises how fortunate he was. His GP realised something was wrong and acted according to guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Unfortunately, many patients do not share this experience.
Many people visit their GP with symptoms but do not receive referrals for further tests. A large number of those patients later receive a late-stage diagnosis. Some have already passed away.
GPs face an extremely difficult job. Many symptoms of lung cancer can resemble less serious conditions. This challenge brings us back to one of the key points James raised: the importance of being your own health advocate.
When to seek further tests
Patients should feel confident asking questions if they feel uncertain about their care.
Under guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), GPs should arrange an urgent chest X-ray within two weeks if someone:
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Is aged 40 or over and has two or more of the following symptoms, or
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Has ever smoked and has one or more of the following symptoms
These symptoms include:
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Cough
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Shortness of breath
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Fatigue
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Chest pain
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Weight loss
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Loss of appetite
Speaking up for your health
Do not feel afraid to ask your GP for a referral. Explain all of your symptoms clearly. Even small or seemingly unrelated symptoms may matter.
Lung cancer can produce many different signs. Some appear obvious, such as a persistent cough. Others are less well known, such as clubbing of the fingers.
Patients should also mention the emotional impact of their symptoms. Family history can also play an important role.
You know your body better than anyone else.
James experienced just one symptom, and it happened only once. At that time he felt perfectly well and had no other signs of illness. Still, he sensed that something was wrong.
If he had waited, the outcome could have been very different.
If he had dismissed the symptom as a one-off, this story might have ended another way. Sadly, that version of events happens far too often.