When doctors told Mandee Lucas she was lung cancer free at her five-year scan, she felt a huge sense of relief. Just a few months later, everything changed. Doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer, unrelated to her original diagnosis.
Mandee went through extensive treatment and is now cancer free again. As part of our International Women’s Day series, she shares her experience of two very different diagnoses and explains why she now focuses even more on improving outcomes for lung cancer.
“My two cancer diagnoses couldn’t have been more different.
“My lung cancer diagnosis happened by accident. I had a scan for something unrelated, and it picked up a small tumour at the bottom of my lung. At that point, no one really suspected lung cancer. The team decided to ‘watch and wait’.
“Eighteen months later, the tumour had grown, but my team still didn’t think it was lung cancer. They saw me as too young and low risk. I had to push at every stage. In the end, I insisted they remove it. Only after surgery and a biopsy did they confirm the diagnosis.
“My breast cancer diagnosis was very different. I had symptoms. I found a lump while on holiday. When I got home, I arranged a mammogram. Within a week, I had further tests, a biopsy and a diagnosis on the same day.
“Going through a second cancer diagnosis was incredibly difficult, but it gave me a unique perspective. It strengthened my determination to improve outcomes for lung cancer.
“I shouldn’t have had to fight so hard for my lung cancer diagnosis. If cancer is even a possibility, doctors should rule it out as early as possible.
“I still think about the ‘what ifs’. What if I hadn’t pushed? What if I didn’t have access to private healthcare? Many people don’t have that option. They may now face an incurable diagnosis because of delays.
“That is why I continue to work with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. I want to help create a simpler path to diagnosis, like the one I experienced with breast cancer. Early diagnosis saves lives. I feel lucky both my cancers were caught early enough for treatment.
“It may sound strange, but lung cancer will always be my first focus. Since my breast cancer diagnosis, people have asked if I will campaign just as strongly for breast cancer. My answer is no. The reality is not equal. Lung cancer needs me more.
“In my experience, breast cancer care felt more advanced. There is more information, more choice and more support. It also receives more attention and funding.
“That is why I feel so proud to support a charity dedicated solely to lung cancer. I will continue to campaign for screening, early diagnosis and awareness for the rest of my life.
“I do this in honour of my mum, my grandma and many friends we have lost to lung cancer. They were too young and too fit, and they deserved better.”