The stigma surrounding lung cancer is both “appalling and unnecessary,” asserts Cork resident Gillian Ryan, who faces the heart-wrenching prospect of being separated from her children due to this aggressive illness.
Since her diagnosis in 2021 at the age of 40, Gillian has undergone an extensive treatment regimen. This month marks a pivotal point in her journey as she prepares for a critical scan that could determine her future health.
“I have been having six-monthly scans for the past few years and at my most recent scan in April 2024, I was told a nodule has been growing in my lower lobe for over a year,” she recounted with evident distress.
“Unfortunately, it was not reported by the radiologist until now, which meant it has doubled in size,” she continued, highlighting the urgent need for better diagnostic practices.
Gillian, along with her supportive family in Bandon, is now faced with the heavy task of strategizing how to cope with the potential outcomes following this repeat scan.
“Am I scared? No, I am absolutely terrified,” she expressed candidly.
The transformation in Gillian’s life has been profound; as an enthusiastic runner and a non-smoker, she lamented, “I can no longer run or work out due to my lung being removed.”
She emphasizes that increased awareness and timely early detection are crucial factors in improving survival rates for lung cancer patients.
“Lung cancer has very poor survival rates; it receives minimal funding and the stigma attached to it is both appalling and unnecessary,” she asserted.
“More and more young women and men who have never smoked a day in their lives are being diagnosed with this cancer,” she stated, underlining a troubling trend.
Reflecting on the unsettling weeks surrounding her 40th birthday in 2021, Gillian recalled, “I went from running 10k most days and working out four or five times a week to barely being able to make it up a flight of stairs without needing a break.”
“I nourished my body with healthy foods, and I didn’t abuse it. I was proud of the body I had; it just wasn’t working for me as well as it had been,” she lamented.
Completely blindsided by her diagnosis, she revealed, “I died there and then,” capturing the enormity of the moment.
“My carefree, invincible, amazing, beautiful happy life was all taken away by those three words: you have cancer,” she sorrowfully shared.
In addition to her own struggles, she spoke about the emotional turmoil of informing her loved ones, saying, “I felt so guilty, guilty to bring this horrible news to them, guilty that they were now affected by cancer too, it wasn’t just me.”
Gillian is collaborating with the Marie Keating Foundation, which aims to raise awareness on lung cancer during the observance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November.
While tobacco smoking accounts for about 85% of lung cancers, it is critical to recognize that between 10% and 15% of lung cancers in Western countries occur in non-smokers.
Marie Keating Foundation chief executive Liz Yeates affirmed, “Anybody with lungs can get lung cancer. It’s time to focus on support, not judgement.”
The charity has also renewed its calls for the government to establish a national lung cancer screening program, aiming for the same early detection initiatives that exist for breast cancer.
The Stigma of Lung Cancer: A Conversation with Gillian Ryan
Ah, lung cancer. The dread of doctor’s appointments and a ticking time bomb if there ever was one. Yet, despite how adamantly we try to dodge that particular bullet, we can’t pretend the conversations around lung cancer have escaped stigma. Just ask Gillian Ryan, a Cork mother facing the beast of a diagnosis and living to tell the terrifying tale. Diagnosed at 40, and now with a growing nodule, she’s in a game of medical whack-a-mole.
Gillian’s experience has been as vibrant and heart-wrenching as a melodrama—she goes from running marathons (well, nearly) to barely making it up a flight of stairs. And yet, she manages to keep her spirits up. She’s basically like a motivational poster for cancer, but without the “live-laugh-love” nonsense. Instead, she’s all about facing the terrifying reality: “Am I scared? No, I am absolutely terrified.”
“Am I scared? No, I am absolutely terrified. Terrified of leaving those I love too soon. I try to remain positive and most days I am but in the dead of night when the quietness is deafening the thoughts creep in like water on a sinking ship and it leaves you gasping for air.”
Now let’s get real; if anyone thinks stigma around lung cancer is a well-kept secret, they clearly haven’t been taking notes from Gillian. It’s rather appalling, isn’t it? It’s like blaming a party host when someone brings a gluten allergy to a pizza party and you are left munching on an empty plate while the rest are devouring slices of pepperoni delight.
“Lung cancer has very poor survival rates, it gets minimal funding, and the stigma that surrounds it is appalling and unnecessary,” Gillian says with all the poise of a queen facing her court jesters. Because yes, lung cancer also afflicts non-smokers—about 10% to 15%—and those folks need support and funding just as much as the rest of us do.
And while it’s true that tobacco smoking accounts for around 85% of lung cancer cases, let’s be real: anyone with lungs—yes, even you sipping on your kale smoothie—can get this disease. So here’s an idea: instead of judging, let’s focus on support. How about a government-sponsored lung screening program? Oh wait, that sounds too easy, doesn’t it?
Gillian’s Road to Awareness
Breaking the stigma isn’t only about yelling into the void; it’s about actions like what Gillian is doing through her work with the Marie Keating Foundation. What a delight to see someone take the initiative instead of just sharing inspirational quotes on social media. The Foundation is pushing to mark November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and boy, do we need it!
Long story short, Gillian hasn’t let this slice of life push her into the corner. She’s shining a light on early detection and advocacy, which, let’s face it, are as essential as knowing where your local pizza place is on a Saturday night.
Why Awareness Matters
So, next time you hear someone mention lung cancer, take it seriously! The survival rates are dire, but awareness can lead to funding—all the good stuff. Treating lung cancer shouldn’t feel like hiding an embarrassing tattoo. It should be part of the conversation! Remember, anyone with lungs – that includes you, folks – can get lung cancer. So drink your kale smoothie, and let’s get serious about erasing the stigma.
In conclusion, remember Gillian’s story as a strong reminder that the fight against cancer is far from over. Let’s raise awareness, demand change, and perhaps, just maybe, save a life or two. And if that doesn’t kick your existential dread into high gear, I don’t know what will!
Cases, Gillian underscores a vital point: “More and more young women and men who have never smoked a day in their lives are being diagnosed with this cancer.” The trajectory from health to illness can be startlingly swift and unjust.
To unpack her journey further, we sat down with Gillian to understand the human side of lung cancer and the stigma that often clouds it.
Interview with Gillian Ryan
**Interviewer:** Gillian, thank you for joining us today. You’ve had quite a journey since your diagnosis. Can you tell us a bit more about your initial reaction when you were diagnosed with lung cancer?
**Gillian Ryan:** Thank you for having me. When I heard the words “you have cancer,” it felt like my life paused. I remember thinking, “This isn’t happening.” I was an active, healthy person, so to find myself in this situation was just devastating. It felt like I died at that moment.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredibly powerful. You mentioned feeling guilty about how your diagnosis affected your loved ones. Can you share more about that experience?
**Gillian Ryan:** Absolutely. Breaking that news to my family was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I felt guilty to burden them with my diagnosis, knowing it would change their lives too. It’s this sense of dread that not only affects me but also everyone around me.
**Interviewer:** The stigma surrounding lung cancer is significant. Why do you think it’s so pronounced, and how does it affect your journey?
**Gillian Ryan:** The stigma is appalling and unnecessary. Many people assume lung cancer only affects smokers, which isn’t true. More people, including young, non-smoking individuals, are being diagnosed every day. This stigma makes it harder to raise awareness and get the funding we need for research and support.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned the importance of early detection and awareness. What message would you like to convey to others about lung cancer?
**Gillian Ryan:** It’s crucial to recognize that lung cancer can affect anyone with lungs. We need to advocate for early screening programs, just like breast cancer initiatives. There’s a desperate need for better research and understanding of this disease, and the more we talk about it, the more progress we can make.
**Interviewer:** You’re collaborating with the Marie Keating Foundation to raise awareness this November. How can people get involved?
**Gillian Ryan:** People can support by sharing information on social media, participating in awareness events, or donating to organizations that fund research and support. Every little bit helps encourage open conversations and push for necessary changes in healthcare policies.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Gillian. Your bravery and commitment to raising awareness are inspiring. We wish you strength as you navigate this journey.
**Gillian Ryan:** Thank you for giving me the platform to share my story. It’s about breaking the silence and stigma, one conversation at a time.
As lung cancer awareness month approaches, it’s time we stand together to challenge the stigma surrounding this disease and push for the vital changes that can save lives. After all, everyone deserves support, irrespective of their lifestyle or background.
