Donegal woman diagnosed with lung cancer at 35 stresses importance of early detection

A Donegal woman living with lung cancer and the Irish Cancer Society have urged people to learn what to look out for as early detection saves lives.

Glencolmcille native Tracy Byrne is a founding member of the Irish Lung Cancer Community, having been diagnosed with lung cancer aged just 35 years in 2019 after presenting to her GP with worsening back pain.

An MRI revealed Tracy had a lesion on her lung which spread to her spine. She was diagnosed with EGFR lung cancer, a non-smoking-related type of the disease, and is calling for more public awareness.

“To say I was shocked would be an understatement,” she said. “I had no symptoms in my lung so I couldn’t understand this. Here I was going to get results for what I thought was routine back pain and within hours I was told that I have lung cancer with a secondary lesion in my spine.

“I’m sharing my story because I want to help the lung cancer community overcome the stigma that comes with this type of cancer. We need to focus on becoming more empathetic towards people who are diagnosed with lung cancer, learning the risk factors, identifying the symptoms to help with early diagnosis and to highlight that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer as most people are not aware that you can get lung cancer regardless if you are a smoker or a non-smoker."

New research shows that almost one in every three people don’t know any signs of lung cancer despite it being the leading cause of cancer deaths in Ireland. More than 1,800 people die from lung cancer each year, with the majority of lung cancers (60%) being detected at a late stage, when they are much more difficult to treat.

Meanwhile, worrying new research from the Global Lung Cancer Coalition shows that 29% of Irish people don’t know any signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer can present as difficulty breathing; a cough that doesn't go away or a change in a long-term cough; repeated chest infections that won't go away even after antibiotics; wheezing; feeling more tired than usual; a hoarse voice; coughing up blood-stained phlegm; pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe in; loss of appetite; weight loss; wwelling around your face and neck, difficulty swallowing

As well as creating public awareness around the symptoms of lung cancer, there are barriers to healthcare which stop people from attending their GP which urgently need to be addressed. Evidence shows that cost, people minimising their symptoms and difficulties in accessing GP appointments can prevent people from accessing care. The Irish Cancer Society has also long advocated for the introduction of a national lung cancer screening programme.

Dr. Patrick Redmond, GP and Associate Professor in General Practice at the RCSI says: "As a General Practitioner, I see first-hand the critical difference that early detection of cancer can make. Recognising the signs — such as persistent cough, unusual breathlessness, or unexplained weight loss — and acting quickly could be lifesaving. It is vital that we address the barriers to healthcare access and empower our patients with the knowledge to seek help promptly. I urge everyone to be attentive to their lung health and to consult their GP if they notice any concerning symptoms."

Throughout November and into December, the Irish Cancer Society will be hosting a series of Lung Cancer Awareness Road Shows and is calling on the public in these locations to come along, ask questions and meet with our cancer nurses. People can also check out the lung health checker online.

Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or supportline@irishcancer.ie. The Irish Cancer Society's Lung Cancer Campaign is supported by Roche and AstraZeneca.