“I have been diagnosed with cancer three times. The first diagnosis was testicular cancer at the age of 21, identified due to the presence of a lump. The second and third diagnoses were both lung cancer, both of which presented with a persistent cough. The second diagnosis was considered curative; the third is classified as non-curative.

In the first instance, there were no symptoms beyond the lump. The diagnosis was made quickly after presentation. The second time, I attended a GP appointment for a persistent cough, which was initially attributed to hay-fever. Following a COVID vaccination that worsened the cough, a chest x-ray was conducted, which led to the lung cancer diagnosis.

The third cancer was identified during a routine follow-up scan and was not associated with new symptoms at the time. This scan led to the detection of non-curative lung cancer.

There were no significant barriers to care during any of the diagnoses. During the COVID period, heightened awareness likely facilitated quicker assessments. The diagnostic process for the first cancer was direct, and treatment began promptly. For the second and third diagnoses, there were differing opinions among professionals from different hospitals. At one point, a doctor stated that the likelihood of cancer was low due to my physical activity levels. After the initial GP visit in each case, care was managed by hospital teams.

The staging of the cancers was not clearly communicated in the first two cases. The presence of secondary tumours during the first diagnosis suggests it was likely stage three or four. The third diagnosis was described as non-curative. Treatment has reduced the tumour to one-third of its original size and it is currently confined to one lung.

There is no known genetic link to my cancers. Genetic testing has been conducted with no significant findings. My case involves three different primary cancers, which is rare, and has been attributed to non-genetic causes.

I have received limited support from cancer care services. One example of support during chemotherapy was a hand massage. The main source of support throughout has been my family. I have had flexibility with work and have been able to take time off when necessary. With the newer chemotherapy regimens, time off work has been minimal. During a period of illness caused by flu, I was informed that the cancer was not active at that time.

I have been consistently open about my diagnoses. I have worked with over 400 individuals in the past 18 months, many of whom were reluctant to talk about cancer. In professional settings, I encourage open discussion, including with family members and partners, to reduce misunderstanding and stress. For example, I supported a university student who had not disclosed their diagnosis, which had led to incorrect assumptions about their attendance.

I have received standard cancer screening packs, such as for bowel cancer, and have been familiar with screening initiatives and symptom awareness through my professional role.”