Man with non-smoking history succumbs to lung cancer after he complained of anxiety symptoms; know signs that doctors missed

Imagine someone complaining of experiencing anxiety or stress but ends up being diagnosed with something deadly. In a shocking incident, a 36-year-old man who was a non-smoker and was not a typical cancer patient was diagnosed with anxiety. Liam Handley was also prescribed medications for the same to curb his chest pain, palpitations, and stress.

According to the Sun UK report, he didn't fit the lung cancer stereotype because he was young, healthy, and never smoked in his life. As he continued to suffer chest pain and anxiety, and despite visiting the doctors multiple times, he was never referred for a chest X-ray.

One day, when the pain got so severe that Liam was rushed to the hospital fearing a heart attack.

Blood clots were found in the lungs

After this incident, doctors revealed that they found blood clots in his lungs, but still, there was no confirmation of cancer. Moreover, the condition continued to worsen as he started experiencing pain in his shoulders and lower back part of his body. Doctors prescribed him a strong painkiller for this problem.

A private CT scan found that Liam is suffering from cancer

Suffering the persistent pain, Liam got the devastating news that confirmed he was suffering from lung cancer. It was not confirmed until he went for a private CT scan. It was revealed later on that he had lung cancer that had already spread to his liver, spine, and lymph nodes.

Further tests revealed that Liam had a genetically mutated form of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma EGFR Exon 19 positive; this is a type of cancer that affects people with little or no history of smoking in the past.

However, despite complete treatment, chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy radiation, doctors couldn't save Liam, and he passed away in 2021.

Lung cancer cases among non-smokers

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 15-20 per cent of men with lung cancer across the world are non-smokers, while over 50 per cent of women with lung cancer are non-smokers.

The Cancer Research UK statistics note that up to 14 per cent of people with lung cancer in the country have a history of no smoking. However, it is still possible to develop lung cancer even if you do not consume tobacco.

Signs that doctors missed

• Consistent cough
• Breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Discomfort
• Wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Sudden weight loss
• Shoulder pain
• Swelling in the face, neck, arms, or upper chest

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