" My stomach pain turned out to be lung cancer"

Posted 17th March 2021

A retired care worker from Wirral was diagnosed with lung cancer after complaining of pains in her stomach.

Janice Cox, 68, from Bebington, first began suffering with stomach pains in August 2020. Having initially taken medication for an upset tummy, she went to her GP. The pain had got so bad at this point she ended up in hospital, thinking she had gall stones.

“I gave up smoking nine years ago and despite the pain in my stomach, I had no difficulty breathing. It never occurred to me I had lung cancer as I had none of the typical symptoms you hear about.”

Having had several scans, Janice was diagnosed with cancer in her lungs, which had also spread to her liver. “Obviously, we were devastated. My husband Mike wanted to know all the ins and outs but I just wanted to know if it was treatable.”

Whilst surgery wasn’t a possibility for Janice, doctors told her the cancer could be treated and managed with the help of chemotherapy. She was referred to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust for her treatment.

“I was prescribed three doses of chemotherapy and went along to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Wirral to have my treatment. I didn’t know what to expect at first and due to visiting restrictions during the pandemic, Mike couldn’t be with me.

“But the team on the chemotherapy ward explained everything to me. Everyone I’ve met has been fabulous. I’ve also been over to the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool for a blood transfusion. Everything has been much easier than expected.”

Janice says from her initial symptoms to diagnosis and then her first treatment, the process took around two weeks. “I don’t feel like anything has been delayed due to the pandemic,” she explains.

Dr Noor-ul-Ain Tariq, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said: “Whilst Janice didn’t experience any of the typical symptoms we associate with lung cancer, she still did the right thing by reaching out to her GP.

“I would encourage anyone who has symptoms they are concerned about to seek medical help. Janice began her treatment just two weeks after presenting to us and I’m pleased with the progress she has made.

“The NHS is always here for patients and GPs can arrange for x-rays and other tests if they are concerned. My message would always be to seek help if you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you.”

Janice has responded well to her treatment and has also accessed other support available through the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Wirral. “The dietitians have been helping me with high-calorie milkshakes and advice when I lost my appetite, and we’ve spoken to the specialist lung cancer nurses when we’ve needed support. Everyone we’ve come across has been wonderful.”

Janice is telling her story as part of the NHS’s ongoing Help Us Help You campaign, encouraging the public to continue to seek out medical attention when they need it. The Help Us Help You campaign aims to encourage the public not to delay treatment because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Sheena Khanduri, Medical Director at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, added: “The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated. So if you have any symptoms that worry you or have lasted three weeks or more, please speak to a doctor.

“It is always better to be safe. A lingering cough might be signs of COVID-19 or the common cold, but it could also be a sign of something more serious. Despite the pandemic, the public should always seek the urgent medical care they need.”