When most of us get a tickly cough, it usually passes within a short period and is often nothing to worry about. However, a “fit and healthy” cabin crew worker was gobsmacked after his persistent cough left him in hospital with a life-changing diagnosis that he never expected.

Warren is an avid runner, has never smoked and is generally fit and healthy, so he thought nothing of it when he developed a cough in 2021 that came and went. With the Covid pandemic in full swing, the flight attendant was regularly being tested for his job – and they always came back negative.

Speaking to Cancer Research Warren said he visited his GP in June 2021 and “wasn’t overly concerned”. He shared: “I was prescribed antihistamines, which didn’t make any difference, and then omeprazole when I went back, as it was then thought the problem might be acid reflux.”

Wanting to know more about what was happening with his health, Warren had a chest X-ray and also had a CT scan. Nothing came up until a consultant spotted something in one of his lungs and said he would need surgery shortly after Christmas. Warren said: “In February 2022, finally got a diagnosis of Stage 3a lung cancer. Some of my lymph nodes had been taken out during the surgery, and cancer was found in two of them.”

He added: “I’m a runner, I’ve always been fit and healthy and never smoked, so I didn’t think it would be cancer.”

Warren’s surgery was followed with cycles of chemotherapy. He said he developed “horrendous” side effects, his hair fell out, and he constantly felt fatigued and sick.

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and the most common cause of cancer death. As it is lung cancer awareness month, Warren has issued a warning about his experience.

In a post shared on Cancer Research’s social media pages, Warren said: “Even if you’ve never smoked or think you’re too young – anyone can get cancer, and I would encourage you to speak to your GP if you feel something isn’t quite right. You should never think it can’t happen to you.”

In January 2023, following four-monthly scans which were all clear, Warren was signed off as fit to fly again and was able to return to work. He is now working on long-haul flights and has been enjoying running again, clocking up approximately 15-20 miles a week.

However, Warren noted: “Although I am living my best life again, I am planning to start counselling to help me cope with the anxiety over whether my cancer will come back, as I have been agitating at every little sign of illness. I am also planning to do some fundraising runs for Cancer Research UK and other charities like the Roy Castle Trust.”

Lung cancer signs

The NHS warns that there often are no onvious symptoms of lung cancer in its early stages. If you have a cough that does not disappear after three weeks this could be a sign, as well as a cough that gets worse.

Chest infections that keep coming back, as well as aches or pains when coughing, being peristently breathless, being tired or having low energy could all be signs of lung cancer. Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss could also be an indication.

See a GP if you have any of the main symptoms of lung cancer or you are worried about your health in any way. More information is available on the NHS website.