A WEST Cumbrian woman has spoken of her journey with lung cancer - and heaped praise on a new early detection system she described as 'absolutely imperative'.
Diane Stewart, 57, of Ennerdale Bridge, had been treated for a number of chest infections and had no idea she may have lung cancer.
She said: "I thought I’d had Covid and my partner did say that he thought there was something wrong because I had suffered so many chest infections.
"It was my asthma nurse who told me about the screening service and would I be interested."
The screening service in question has been designed to identify people who are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, and offers a low dose CT scan to check for early signs of lung cancer, even if there are no symptoms.
"I said I was and from the day I was screened everything fell into place and it was absolutely fantastic care from start to finish," Diane went on.
"Once the lung cancer was confirmed everything happened really quickly, more scans, consultations and finally the surgery.
"The care I had right through the process was incredible, fantastic.
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"I had some pain after the surgery which was horrible but it only lasted a day and for me to be now told I don’t need any other treatment is wonderful.
"I’ve had family who have had to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy which is very difficult.
"Because this was found so early I don’t need any of that. I’m so grateful.
"This has given me a new lease of life it really has. To anyone who is eligible for the screening service I say to them it is absolutely imperative that you put yourself forward.
"Even if you have no symptoms just get checked, it is imperative.
Vicky Lamonby, lung cancer specialist nurse, explained the process from referral: “The service covers all GP practices in north Cumbria. As long as the patient has not had a CT scan in the last year they can go onto the screening programme.
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"Every referral is checked for suitability and once the chest CT scan is completed it is reviewed in a multidisciplinary meeting with a radiologist, respiratory consultant and specialist nurse for the early signs of lung cancer."
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