EGFR Positive Lung Cancer UK

What if lung cancer wasn’t one of the less survivable cancers?

This week is Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week (12–16 Jan). #Lungcancer is one of these cancers, with outcomes still driven by late diagnosis, missed symptoms, & gaps in research & access.

Earlier diagnosis can change survival.

We’ve known for a while that some ALK- & EGFR-positive #LungCancer can change type over time, often to small cell. This study adds real-world data on how often it happens, when, & what treatment may work next - reinforcing why re-biopsy matters.
#SCLC #LCSM

🔗 www.researchgate.net/publication/...

On 1st August my diagnosis changed from NSCLC to #SCLC, ending my time on Osimertinib and starting chemo & immunotherapy.

My first diagnosis in 2021 came after months of pain and being told it was tennis elbow or sciatica, until further tests confirmed EGFR+ Stage 4 #lungcancer.

#LCSM

#Lungcancer wasn’t on my radar. I had no symptoms & my RET-fusion lung cancer was found by accident while I was in treatment for breast cancer.

I also have bowel cancer - 3 primaries - which still feels surreal to say.

Read Allison’s story ➡️ www.allyouneedislungs.org.uk/2025voices/a... #LCSM

Week 3 & we’ve passed 1 million views! 💟
Grateful to everyone who’s shared their #lungcancer story & everyone taking the time to read, like & share to raise awareness that anyone can get lung cancer.

Read all 56 stories here ➡️
www.allyouneedislungs.org.uk/2025voices #LCSM

“Too many people like me are told they’re too young, too healthy, or too unlikely to have #lungcancer and that’s how cases get missed.”

Debra, ALK+ UK Chair, shares why See Through the Symptoms is about being taken seriously, seen sooner, and diagnosed earlier.

🔗 seethroughthesymptoms.uk
#LCSM

Since the early 1990s, #lungcancer rates in women in the UK have risen by around a third (34%). Lung cancer can affect anyone even younger people.

Be alert to symptoms that don’t go away, like a cough that lingers, breathlessness, fatigue or chest/shoulder pain. Source: Cancer Research UK #LCSM

Catherine was diagnosed with stage 1 #lungcancer in 2019.

She’d always been careful about her health, and it came as a big shock. In 2023 she was told it was stage 4 ROS1+ which meant her cancer could be treated with a daily targeted therapy.

Thank you Catherine for sharing your story.
#LCSM

In loving memory of Sophie ♡
Diagnosed with stage 4 EGFR+ #lungcancer at 24. She died this September aged 28. Shared with her family’s blessing.

Her only early sign was a crackle in her chest at night. She felt well. Months of tests followed before she heard the word “cancer.”

#LCSM

Gini, part of our All You Need Is Lungs team, shared her story in today’s Mail on Sunday.

Her shoulder pain was put down to breastfeeding discomfort - but it turned out to be stage 4 EGFR+ #lungcancer.

By speaking so openly, Gini is helping raise awareness that lung cancer can affect anyone. #LCSM

Too many families are affected by #lungcancer when it’s the last thing they expected. People doing all the right things & still missed.

Deepa, from the Ruth Strauss Foundation, shares why See Through the Symptoms is about pausing, rethinking, and acting sooner.

👉 seethroughthesymptoms.uk
#LCSM

Sylvie had back pain, shortness of breath & weight loss. She was told it was sciatica & sent home.

A scan finally showed a mass in her lung - it was stage 4 ALK+ #lungcancer that had spread to her bones, liver, spine & lymph nodes.

💬 “I’d always assumed lung cancer & smoking went together.” #LCSM

Jaber was diagnosed with stage 4 #lungcancer at 37. His symptoms were breathlessness & a persistent cough.

See Through the Symptoms is an award-winning lung cancer awareness campaign - helping healthcare professionals spot lung cancer early, even in people who don’t fit the usual profile. #LCSM

Julia has been living with stage 4 ROS1+ #lungcancer for almost 10 yrs.

It started with what she thought was a chest infection, then pneumonia put her in ICU for 8 days. She’d also had shoulder pain for months, which she put down to sleeping awkwardly. She didn’t know it could be a symptom. #LCSM

#Lungcancer can affect anyone - even if it’s the last thing you’d expect. It doesn’t care about age, history or lifestyle.

Symptoms aren’t always obvious they can be subtle & not always respiratory related.

Don’t ignore signs that persist. Finding it early increases your options. #LCSM

Emma’s first sign of #lungcancer was numbness in her fingers. She was pregnant with her second son when the symptoms got worse & she was admitted to hospital.

Tests eventually found stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer that had spread to her brain.

www.allyouneedislungs.org.uk/2025voices/e... #LCSM

It’s 1 November - the start of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the launch of the third year of #AllYouNeedIsLungs! 💟

We’re sharing over 30 real voices this year - all ages & backgrounds who want others to recognise the signs sooner.

Because lung cancer doesn’t have one face. #LCSM

Do you have #lungcancer & no smoking history? Uni of Southampton are running an interview study (funded by Ruth Strauss Foundation) to understand the experiences & needs of people diagnosed with LC who have smoked <100 cigarettes in their life.

southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

#LCSM

Shaun, 54, was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK+ #lungcancer in 2022.

“There was a 3 month period in which I ping-ponged between my GP and the local hospital, as they tried to identify the cause of my deteriorating condition.” #LCSM

Read Shaun’s story 🔗 www.allyouneedislungs.org.uk/2025voices/p...

Too many people with #lungcancer are diagnosed late - not because they didn’t ask for help, but because no one thought it could be lung cancer.

Angela, EGFR+ UK Non-Executive Chair, shares why we need professionals to look beyond the usual risk factors.

👉 seethroughthesymptoms.uk

#LCSM

‘I’d had a persistent cough & shortness of breath - symptoms that just wouldn't go away.

Finding out it was stage 4 #lungcancer was overwhelming, but I've always believed it's not over till it's over! That philosophy has carried me through the toughest moments & continues to.’ Kirsteen

#LCSM

New JAMA study shows #lungcancer in never-smokers is rising - esp among women - & often linked to EGFR & ALK mutations.

Great visual by Dr Rishabh Jain 🙏 - featuring our campaigns All You Need Is Lungs & See Through the Symptoms.

#LCSM

allyouneedislungs.co.uk seethroughthesymptoms.uk

“I’m Emma, 51, a celebrant, radio presenter & event host.

I was told I had no risk factors for #lungcancer. Then in April, a liquid biopsy confirmed stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer.

I’m still finding my way & realising how much love & support mean.”
www.allyouneedislungs.org.uk/2025voices/e... #LCSM

GPs: did you know #lungcancer in never-smokers is now the UK’s 8th most common cause of cancer-related death?

Our award-winning campaign See Through the Symptoms is back for 2025 - help spot the signs early.

👉 www.seethroughthesymptoms.uk

#PrimaryCare #LCSM

“In 2023 I was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK+ #lungcancer while I was pregnant with my 2nd son. I’d been experiencing numbness in my fingers. At first I was misdiagnosed with neurocysticercosis in my brain & potential pneumonia. A follow-up chest X-ray led to the discovery of lung cancer.” Emma

#LCSM

Debbie was diagnosed #lungcancer at 46. Her first symptom was a swelling in her neck.

See Through the Symptoms is an award-winning awareness campaign from ALK+ UK, Ruth Strauss Foundation and EGFR+ UK - helping HCPs spot lung cancer early, even in people who don’t fit the usual profile. #LCSM

🫁 Parents living with #lungcancer and their children (aged 11–24) are invited to take part in a research event in London this November.

The Open University study explores wellbeing and family support needs.

👉 openss.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etf8nRP4PKwwMIu

Polly, 64, was diagnosed with stage 4 EGFR+ #lungcancer in 2021.

Gardening, knitting, & time with family & friends help her stay positive and enjoy the simple things in life. 🌿

She’s one of over 30 voices in our 2025 All You Need Is Lungs campaign for Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

#LCSM

The official photos are out! 💟

Still smiling from such a great night at the UK Social Media Awards this week. Our All You Need Is Lungs lung cancer awareness campaign was a finalist for Best Charity/Not-for-Profit Campaign.

Thanks to Don’t Panic Events for a wonderful evening.

#LCSM

What a night 💟
#AllYouNeedIsLungs was a finalist for Best Charity/Not-for-Profit Campaign at the UK Social Media Awards.

We didn’t take home a trophy (apart from best 360 booth dancing 🕺), but we don’t need one to know we’re making a real impact in #LungCancer awareness.

#LCSM