After losing his mum, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather to lung cancer, it was Jeff Smith's worst nightmare come true when he was told he too had the disease. With no symptoms, he answered a letter through the post from the NHS for any Salford residents wanting to take part in a mass screening.
Jeff went along to it the same day the letter arrived in the post after a cancellation. But when doctors called him 24 hours later, he was shocked to find out that he had a 9mm growth, having previously had no idea that a deadly disease had taken root in his body.
He says getting the diagnosis was one of the most frightening moments in his life but after a few weeks of tests, Jeff was given miraculous news. The cancer had been caught early enough that he could get 'cure' surgery.
READ MORE: More than half a million people now on NHS waiting lists in Greater Manchester
Jeff, from Swinton, was diagnosed in June of last year on his mum's birthday, who tragically died from lung cancer in 2006. "It was a shock and it was scary, I couldn't take it at first" he told the Manchester Evening News .
"The next thing I heard was that it was good news because the doctors had caught it early and I could have curative surgery .A few days later, I went into hospital, had keyhole surgery and the next day was back home! I couldn’t believe it.
"They cut one-third of my lung away and I spent six weeks at home recovering. My mum was told she had lung cancer and had six weeks to live."
Knowing the importance of early detection, the dad-of-one and granddad-of-three has teamed up with the NHS and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to promote conversation around local people with the hopes of breaking the stigma around the disease and saving lives.
"It feels like it was all a dream. I’m back to normal now," explained taxi driver Jeff. "My scar’s healed. I’m back in the gym and playing football at the age of 60, running around like a blue-a***d fly. I’m seeing my grandchildren every day and I just go to bed at night thinking just how lucky I am.
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that early test. I've just had my first year check-up and have been given the all clear."
Dr Matthew Evison, clinician lead for lung lancer at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “Lung cancer is a very significant issue in Manchester. Sadly, lung cancer causes more deaths than any other disease in Manchester, more than heart attacks, strokes and any other cancer.
"Many people are unfortunately diagnosed with late-stage disease when we can no longer treat with curative intent.
"By getting out into the heart of the community and having these vital conversations about early diagnosis and seeing a doctor with any symptoms that could be caused by lung cancer, like a new or different cough for 3 weeks or more. These vital conversations can save lives.”
Figures from 2019 show in Greater Manchester 5202 people were diagnosed with lung cancer, including 492 people from Salford. And 1,676 people in Greater Manchester died from lung cancer in 2019, including 161 from Salford.
Approximately one third of people are diagnosed with lung cancer at Stage 1 or 2 where is more treatable. Some 46 per cent of patients are alive one year after their lung cancer diagnosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lung cancer develop as the condition progresses. Lung cancer is one of the most serious types of cancers and last year was the fifth biggest cause of death in England accounting for 26,410 deaths.
The main symptoms of lung cancer include, according to the NHS:
- a cough that doesn’t go away after 2 or 3 weeks
- a long-standing cough that gets worse
- chest infections that keep coming back
- coughing up blood
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
- persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
If you have any of these, you should see a GP.
Less common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- wheezing
- a hoarse voice
- swelling of your face or neck
- persistent chest or shoulder pain
Chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, Paula Chadwick, said: “Lung cancer is a disease that no one wants to talk about, but it is vital that we do because these conversations can save lives.
"We need to lose the stigma and nihilistic perceptions around lung cancer and be more open about this disease that affects so many of us.
“Yes, lung cancer is currently the UK’s biggest cancer killer but being able to recognise its many different symptoms and taking immediate action can change this, helping people get diagnosed earlier when lung cancer is easier to treat.”
For more information on the Roy Castle lung roadshow, which is travelling the country to teach people about lung cancer, head to the website.
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