Kathryn Malcolm has a family history of cancer. So when something didn’t feel right, she trusted her instincts. During an appointment for an unrelated issue, she asked her GP for a CT scan. That decision changed everything.
Doctors later diagnosed her with stage 1b lung cancer.
As part of our World Cancer Day series, Kathryn shares her experience and how early diagnosis led to treatment she hadn’t known was possible.
“They say we know our own bodies, and that was true for me.
“I went to see my GP about something unrelated, but I asked for a CT scan because I felt something wasn’t right. Given my family history, my GP agreed and requested scans of my chest, abdomen and pelvis.
“I knew something was wrong when they called me back just two days later – I started to suspect lung cancer, even though I had no symptoms and had never smoked.
“I then saw a respiratory consultant. They told me they had found a small nodule on my lower left lung. Further tests followed, including a PET scan, blood tests, a lung function test and a CT-guided biopsy. These confirmed it was lung cancer.
“I was booked in for surgery on 20 September. Before my diagnosis, I hadn’t even heard of a lobectomy. I didn’t realise lung cancer could be treated with curative intent if caught early. The word ‘cancer’ is frightening, but I now know how much progress has been made.
“I had the operation and went home three days later. The results showed the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes, so I didn’t need further treatment. They had removed it all.
“I’m now doing really well. I walk every day. At first, I could only manage five minutes after surgery. Now I can walk for up to 40 minutes with ease. I’ve also found a new love for nature. I’m even thinking about taking part in a charity walk for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
“I have a much greater appreciation for life, and I feel so grateful for my family and friends. I spend as much time with them as I can. I’ve recently visited friends in Windsor and Billericay, and my husband Phil and I have booked a trip to Rio de Janeiro. We’re really excited.
“I get to live my life because I listened to my body. I would encourage others to do the same. If something doesn’t feel right, act on it. Ask for an X-ray or a CT scan. If I hadn’t pushed, my story could have been very different.”