An Inverness man who was treated for lung cancer is urging others to consult their GP as soon as possible if they have any symptoms.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Graham Macleod has decided to tell his story in the hope it will encourage others to seek help at the earliest opportunity.
The 63-year-old went to see his GP earlier in the year because of a persistent chest infection.
The self-employed taxi driver said it never crossed it mind that it could be cancer.
He said: “I had a chest infection in June year and when it hadn’t gone away after a few weeks, I went to see my doctor.
“I was given a course of antibiotics but that didn’t clear it up so I was sent for a chest X-ray.”
Following further investigations, it was discovered that Graham had lung cancer, and he had an operation in August to remove the tumour.
“Once the doctors had seen the shadow on my lung, it all happened very quickly. I was lucky and I’m glad they managed to spot it in time,” he said.
“It’s important to increase awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer and encourage people to make an appointment with their GP if they have any concerns. The sooner people go to see their doctor, the better.”
Inverness GP Dr Sian Jones explained the symptoms of lung cancer and echoed Graham’s advice to contact your GP as soon as possible.
She said: “If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, it’s worth getting checked out with your GP.
“It may well be nothing to worry about, but it could be a sign of lung cancer.
“Other things to look out for include a cough you’ve had for a while which doesn’t get worse or changes, feeling breathless for no reason, a chest infection that doesn’t clear up or coughing up blood.”
