Nigel on a mission to save lives from lung cancer
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Nigel Westwood,who runs an IT consultancy, lost his wife Ann to lung cancer after an advanced stage diagnosis. Now he is helping a campaign led by the Peninsula Cancer Network - ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ - to encourage more people across Devon and Cornwall to get checked as soon as possible for symptoms of lung cancer.
Ann, who tragically died of the disease last year aged just 48, was active in the local community as a community care assistant – and Nigel is determined to draw on her caring legacy to implore others who are worried about their own health, or that of a loved one, to get checked as quickly as possible by their local GP.
“It was a huge shock”, says Nigel recalling the difficult time when Ann was diagnosed and underwent a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for lung cancer.
Though Ann continued living life to the full throughout this time, sadly the treatment was ultimately not successful as the cancer had spread throughout her body.
Nigel continues, “At that point we were told it was terminal, and she passed away just under 2 ½ months later.”
It’s coming up to 12 months since Ann died – giving this month’s campaign added poignancy for Nigel. “It’s been the most difficult time of my life,” he reflects, “I still get emotional from time to time – strange little things can trigger you, like hearing a piece of music of particular significance.”
However, Nigel was determined to use Ann’s memory to help others facing similar challenges:
“I heard that the lung cancer group on the Peninsula Cancer Network was looking for a patient representative, and I put myself forward for it. I wanted something positive to come out of Ann’s untimely death. I like to feel I can make some impact on people’s understanding of lung cancer, any symptoms, and why to get checked as soon as they notice them – because if you need it, the sooner you start treatment, the better.”
Nigel’s message to anyone concerned about themselves or someone close is simple:
“If you’ve got anything that you’re even slightly concerned about, don’t hesitate, go and talk to your doctor – that’s what they’re there for! Throughout the whole process I was immensely impressed with the sheer levels of dedication of the health professionals involved.”
The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign is urging people who are worried about a persistent cough to see their GP as soon as possible – even if it’s just to put their mind at rest!
GPs and pharmacies in
For more information about the campaign, or to find out more information about the symptoms and causes of lung cancer, please visit www.nhs.uk/lungcancer.
