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Rhiannons' Story: A Call for Early Lung Cancer Detection
Last November, Rosalind Jones, Co-Director of Rosem Health, faced an unimaginable loss. Her daughter Rhiannon, just 36 years old and a non-smoker, passed away from stage 4 adenocarcinoma—a form of lung cancer—only seven weeks after her diagnosis.
Rhiannon was a devoted mother to two young boys, aged six and four, whose lives have been forever changed by her absence. Other diseases often overshadow lung cancer, yet it claims the lives of more women than breast cancer, largely due to delays in detection.
Symptoms can be vague, leading to late-stage diagnoses that leave little time for treatment. Rhiannon’s story highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and earlier intervention.
Rosalind and her family are now committed to raising awareness about the importance of early detection in honour of Rhiannon’s memory. They hope to shed light on the realities of lung cancer and encourage others to prioritise their health and seek medical advice for persistent or unusual symptoms.
Rhiannon’s life and legacy inspire a call to action: to recognise the signs, seek answers, and fight for change so that no other family has to endure such a profound loss.
You can help make a difference. Please consider donating to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to fund vital research and initiatives for early detection. Together, we can work towards a future where fewer families face the heartbreak of losing a loved one to this devastating disease.
Lung Cancer Risk Factors
Lung cancer is one of the most common and devastating cancers, yet many people are unaware of the risk factors that contribute to its development. While smoking remains the leading cause, it’s important to recognise that non-smokers are also at risk. In fact, around 15% of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked.
Exposure to second-hand smoke is a significant risk factor, along with environmental hazards such as air pollution and radon gas—a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes. Occupational exposure to carcinogens like asbestos and diesel exhaust fumes also increases the risk. Genetics can play a role too, with a family history of lung cancer elevating susceptibility.
Symptoms of lung cancer, such as persistent coughing, unexplained weight loss, and shortness of breath, can be vague and often dismissed. This contributes to late-stage diagnoses when treatment options are more limited.
Awareness of risk factors and vigilance in recognising symptoms are key to early detection and better outcomes. By understanding and addressing lung cancer risk factors, we can take proactive steps toward prevention and early diagnosis.
Support vital research and awareness efforts by donating to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, and help us work towards a future where fewer lives are lost to this disease.