Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in Ireland, with an estimated 1900 deaths per annum. It is the second most common cancer in Ireland for women. 

Susan Leatham, who was first diagnosed in September 2021, spoke to The Pat Kenny Show about her journey to recovery and her ongoing fight to break the stigma surrounding lung cancer.

Susan's initial symptoms included joint pain, bone pain and excessive fatigue. 

However, when the pain became more noticeable, she visited the doctor on two separate occasions.

“I insisted, something's not right.” 

After a CT scan, the results found that she had a 2.2-centimeter tumour on the outside of her lung. 

She describes the disillusion she felt after her diagnosis.

“I think everybody that is diagnosed with lung cancer - you come out, you’re in a daze. And it takes a long time just to absorb…”

Although Susan was a smoker many years ago, the type of cancer she had was known as Ret Fusion; which is only 1-2 % of lung cancers and generally in non-smokers. 

After undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy and getting a lobectomy, Susan was in the clear.

However at a regular check up, three years later, lymph nodes were found in her chest. 

She had seven chemotherapy and 30 radiotherapy sessions over a 6-week period. Although describing her treatment plan as an “intense time”, Susan remarked on the strength she gained from her diagnosis. 

“When you have lung cancer you fight the fight, and you never give up hope”.

Susan is now coming to the end of her year-long immunotherapy treatment, which will end next month, noting she is “feeling good at the moment.” 

She continues to advocate for lung cancer and getting checked regularly, spreading awareness for early symptoms. 

Helen Forristal, director of nursing services at the Marie Keating Foundation, also joined Pat to speak about their annual campaign in aid of lung cancer awareness month, called 'The Breathless Collection.’

The Breathless Collection consists of an assortment of clothes and accessories designed to replicate the early symptoms of lung cancer. 

It includes wearables such as a gilet, scarf, shoes and a tote bag.

“It's like the weight of the world you feel on your shoulders,” described Helen, as each piece of clothing has a heavy, restrictive feel to them, to show people what lung cancer really feels like when they put them on. 

Helen emphasised that non-smokers can still get diagnosed with lung cancer, adding the importance of identifying symptoms such as ongoing fatigue, an aching chest and a persistent cough. 

“Catch it early, go to your doctor and don’t be afraid” urged Helen. 

Helen's message to the public is “please don't feel guilty” as she touched on the stigma and shame that are attached to lung cancer patients who do smoke. 

Susan echoed Helen's sentiment as she explained how this stigma has massive consequences, such as underfunding for lung cancer research.

Written by Annemarie Roberts