A man who survived lung cancer after seeking help early has been praised as setting a ‘great example to everyone in Scotland’ by Sir Alex Ferguson, who fronts the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early (DCE) lung campaign.
Sir Alex met with Tom Hart, 62, from Larbert, who was diagnosed with lung cancer five years ago, and heard how a GP check for his persistent cough led to a tumour being found in his right lung.
In the film of their meeting, released to mark the start of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Sir Alex talks to Tom about how far treatments have come since he lost his own parents to the disease, and praises Tom for sharing his experience to urge others not to ignore a persistent cough.
Latest statistics show that since the launch of DCE, the percentage of patients diagnosed with the earliest stage of lung cancer (stage 1) in Scotland has increased by over a third (35.8 per cent overall), and by even more amongst those living in the most deprived areas (44.1 per cent)1.
The DCE lung campaign, running across Scotland throughout November, aims to drive awareness of the fact that a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer, in a bid to encourage those with the symptom to get checked by their GP sooner rather than later.
The five year survival rate for those diagnosed at an early stage is almost 20 times higher than for those diagnosed at a late stage.
For Tom, early diagnosis in 2011 led to successful treatment, allowing him to return to work. Although his lung cancer returned, Tom has recovered well and credits seeking help early with his recovery.
Father-of-two Tom Hart said: “I was diagnosed with lung cancer after my wife gave me a bit of stick about getting a persistent cough checked out. When I heard it was a tumour in the centre of my right lung, it was a complete shock. It really took the wind out my sails.
“Luckily my cancer was found early and the treatment I’ve received since has been first-class. At one stage, I was eligible for an innovative radiotherapy treatment at The Beatson which worked and I had no side effects. It’s amazing what can be done nowadays.
“I feel very fortunate that I sought help when I did, as the outcome could have been very different. Right now, I’m focused on getting on with life and looking to the future. You never know what tomorrow will bring and I certainly never thought it would be meeting Sir Alex Ferguson for a cuppa in Govan. As a life-long Dunfermline Athletic fan, that was a real honour.”
Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport said: “It’s encouraging to see the recent increase in the percentage of lung cancers being diagnosed at the earliest stage, when treatment and survival is highest.
“There’s lots that can be done to treat lung cancer and as a result of better treatments and increased rates of early detection, more people than ever in Scotland are surviving.
“As Tom’s story illustrates, seeing your GP when you notice a persistent change in your health is worthwhile. If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, it’s probably nothing to worry about but, if it is something that needs treatment, the earlier you go the better. So, don’t get scared, get checked.”
Lorraine Dallas, Director of Information & Support, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “It is great to see the Scottish Government sharing a positive story about lung cancer survival at the start of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. As the charity that supports many people affected by lung cancer, we know that getting diagnosed early – as Tom was – is vital.”
For more information visit getcheckedearly.org
View Tom’s film here: https://youtu.be/ghrv6XapW-E
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