Hello
My sister was died of non smokers lung cancer (adenocarcinoma) last year and because I mentioned to one doctor (not my own) that as children we were exposed to some asbestos dust and some coke/coal dust, he suggested that I have a lung x-ray every year. I had one xray last year and it was clear but do you think it is necessary every year please? I dont want my GP to think I'm a hypochondriac.
A
hello Audrey
Sorry to hear about your sister, it must have been hard on you and the family. We know some of the reasons that lung cancer and other lung diseases develop. One of those is exposure to environmental materials such as coke/ coal dust.
It is good that your GP is being proactive and monitoring your lung health. That should not be considered hypochondria. When it is possible to screen people who may be at higher risk for health problems, it means any changes can be identified early and more effective treatment can be offered.
Hopefully the check ups will carry on being clear, but if you are aware of any changes, or you have something picked up then it will mean you can access early treatment.
best wishes
Lorraine
@Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation