Former GP Unaware of Back Pain as Lung Cancer Symptom

A retired general practitioner, who has been battling incurable lung cancer for ten years, described her diagnosis as a “bolt out of the blue” because she was unaware that her lower back pain indicated the disease. Sally Hall, residing in Oldham, stated that lung cancer was not a consideration when she experienced back pain after moving boxes in her garage. However, medical professionals discovered a tumour in her lung, resulting in surgery and ten years of ongoing treatment that has successfully stabilised the condition. Ms. Hall expressed her desire to increase public understanding that the disease can affect anyone, emphasizing that “there is still hope” even following a late-stage diagnosis. Given her professional background, Ms. Hall noted her complete familiarity with typical lung cancer symptoms, such as shortness of breath, recurrent chest infections, and a persistent cough. Her back pain commenced after she removed crates of ceramic tiles from her garage, and the possibility of cancer did not occur to her. The discomfort continued, and medical staff subsequently identified a tumour. Ms. Hall recounted being informed that “if untreated I wouldn’t be here for long”. She underwent spinal surgery prior to commencing targeted therapy, a treatment she continues to receive a decade later. Her cancer has since stayed stable, and Ms. Hall mentioned she has adapted to living with “pretty much every side effect you can imagine – from dry eyes and skin to diarrhoea and crazy hair”. “I have been incredibly fortunate with my treatment,” she further stated. Ms. Hall has partnered with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to highlight that lung cancer can manifest with less apparent symptoms. “Having never smoked, lung cancer was not something that I thought I’d experience,” she remarked. She emphasized that it was “incredibly important” to recount her experience to demonstrate that “if you have lungs, you can get cancer,” irrespective of smoking habits. Paula Chadwick, the charity’s chief executive, commented that lung cancer remains “intrinsically linked to smoking” but acknowledged the reality that “anyone can get this disease.” She noted that the classifications of ‘smoker’ or ‘never-smoker’ directly influence the speed of diagnosis for individuals. “That is why we are calling for a stop to these archaic labels,” she declared. “Lung cancer doesn’t see them, and neither should we.” Individuals impacted by an uncommon diagnosis or symptom are invited to contact the BBC via email at northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. The NHS website indicates that lung cancer typically presents no signs or symptoms in its initial stages, though many individuals with the condition eventually manifest symptoms, including: It further advises that anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a GP. For the best of BBC Radio Manchester, listeners can tune in on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.