That is what Debbie says about the Lung Cancer Screening programme.

Her invite was sat on her desk while she was busy at work, managing a retirement estate and getting on with life. One day, she decided to pick up her Lung Screening invitation and called the number.

“I spoke to a lovely chap who went through a series of questions, asking me about my smoking history and any symptoms I was experiencing.”

The answers Debbie gave confirmed to the team that she met the criteria. She was booked in for a low-dose CT scan in a mobile unit at her local supermarket car park.

“I was able to pick a time that was convenient for me and fitted around my working hours.”

Debbie walked out of her scan feeling positive. She did think they might tell her she had COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or something related to being a smoker for over 40 years. The thought of being told she had cancer only popped in and quickly back out of her mind. So, it came as a bit of a surprise when she was told they had found early-stage cancer in her right lung.

“My only question at that time was if this was the end of me, did I need to get my affairs in order, or can you fix me? He said no, we can fix this.”

Debbie is now waiting for a date for her lung surgery to take place and will find out afterwards if any other treatment will be needed. The cancer has not spread and is at a very early stage.

Debbie’s lung cancer screening also picked up a growth in her throat, blocking a large part of her windpipe. This is being investigated with a plan to remove that as well. It is not cancerous, but is causing significant breathing problems for Debbie which, if left untreated, will be life-threatening.

“I’ve got so used to feeling tired and breathless, I am looking forward to a healthier future. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is all because I made that phone call.

“If sharing my story gets just one other person to pick up the phone, then it will be worth telling.”