Small cell lung cancer

[Alexandra_JGW]

Hello I am curious to know if anyone last year was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer under the age of 30 males? My partner was diagnosed in August at the age of 28 and passed away on the 4th January 2017 at the age of 29. It was devastating and I can't get his pain out of my head. J suffered so much and I can't get over my loss. I miss him everyday and it isn't getting any easier.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Alexandra

So very sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your partner. It must have been hard to cope with the shock of his diagnosis given his young age. On the cancer research UK website (cancerresearch.uk) the average age for lung cancer in males is 50 plus, however with any cancer there seems to be no minimum age.

We have a free nurse-led helpline if you wish to call us on 0333 323 7200

I have also placed some bereavement helpline numbers which you may find useful to speak to someone there.

Cruse Bereavement helpline 0800 023 5298

Samaritans 08457 909 090

Perhaps speak to your GP, which you may have done already. They may be able to direct you to a local bereavement counselling service in your area.

Do surround yourself with as much support as you can and we extend our deepest sympathy to you.

Kindest regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Alexandra_JGW in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you very much. I'm struggling to believe J was the only male under 30 last year to have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. I understand the average age of most lung cancers but there has to be another person under 30 last year that had it. If there isn't is that why they couldn't save him!

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle in reply to Alexandra_JGW]

Hi Alexandra

I have researched in other countries and there has been a 0.2% occurrence of Males under the age of 30 diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and unfortunately this can be difficult to treat.

There are some early screening studies being put in place in England, which is a good start to see if this is effective in early diagnosis of lung cancer. The age they are starting from is 50, but perhaps in the future they will be looking at all ages.

Kindest regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

0333 323 7200