Islington Woman, Diagnosed with Stage Four Lung Cancer, Now Cancer-Free

Three and a half years ago, Alison Tatum received a diagnosis of stage four lung cancer and was informed she had between 12 and 18 months to live. Her oncologist has since referred to her as “a walking miracle,” as she is currently cancer-free. The 55-year-old, who resides in Islington, north London, stated, “I’m aware the cancer could come back. But for now, I have a positive attitude and I’m doing well.” According to Cancer Research UK, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK, with survival rates lower than most other types. Ms Tatum’s treatment involved two drugs named cisplatin and etoposide phosphate. Scientists funded by Cancer Research UK were instrumental in leading some of the initial clinical trials for these medications. Ms Tatum, who had smoked for most of her adult life, was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2021. She recounted, “I’d had a bit of a cough for a while, especially in the winter months, and then I developed a sore back.” She added, “Other than that, I was fine. I worked in a primary school for 22 years and I was never ill.” Ms Tatum explained that her son, Jack, saw a BBC report about a woman who had experienced a prolonged cough and back pain, and was subsequently diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. “He insisted I went to the doctor,” she said. Doctors discovered “shadowing” on Ms Tatum’s left lung and informed her that urgent treatment was necessary. Ms Tatum recounted, “I had two large tumours on my lung. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t feel unwell at all. It wasn’t possible to remove the tumours and they wanted to check if the cancer had spread to my brain. I was sure it hadn’t but they found ‘something odd’.” After three months of chemotherapy, a mass on her brain had disappeared. However, the treatment proved to be harsh for her. She recalled, “I asked what my prognosis was and the doctor said ‘Not good’.” She continued, “I asked what he meant by that he said probably 12 to 18 months. I still didn’t feel unwell so it all seemed unreal.” Doctors informed Ms Tatum that there was no cure for her cancer, but expressed hope that the treatment would keep the disease at bay. Ms Tatum remarked, “That was 2021 and we’re now nearly into 2025.” She added, “My consultant says I’m a walking miracle. I can’t quite believe it myself.” Smoking is identified as the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK. Ms Tatum urged Londoners to contact their MP and request their support for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently undergoing parliamentary review and aims to increase the age of sale for tobacco products. Listeners can access the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.