Margaret’s Screening Story
In April last year, Margaret received a letter inviting her to a lung screening at a mobile
unit located at Heywood Complex. At the time, Margaret was unaware of any possible
symptoms but took the opportunity to have a scan regardless.
Eight days after the scan, Margaret received a call that they had detected something and that she had been referred to Wythenshawe Hospital for the Lung Diagnostics Centre to investigate further.
Cancer Detection
At Margaret’s appointment they undertook a further scan and within 90 minutes were able to tell her that they had detected cancer in her lungs. An appointment was then made whilst Margaret was still at Wythenshawe, to go to the Christie hospital for a full body scan.
At the Christie scan, a mass was detected near to the adrenal gland, which Margaret was then referred to Trafford General Hospital to investigate, and thankfully this turned out not to be cancerous.
Undergoing Treatment
Six weeks on from Margaret’s initial screening in Heywood, she had been given the results in detail including the detection of two different cancers and treatment options were discussed to find the best option.
On 16th August 2024, Margaret had an operation to remove one third of her lung and the local lymph node to the area.
Margaret is now under regular scans and care from Wythenshawe Hospital and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Specialist Support
Margaret has been supported with a variety of methods such as the ‘My Chart’ app which collated all of her appointments and results into one place, the ‘Fit for Cancer’ gym program and the option for transport to be provided for appointments at Wythenshawe if required.
“My advice to anyone who is invited to screening is to just go!” Margaret
Moving Forward
Within 4 months, Margaret had gone from having no idea she had cancer, to it being detected, investigated and removed. Without the lung screening appointment being offered and without Margaret taking the opportunity to go, this may not have been the case.
Margaret is now resuming her plans and aspirations she had prior to her diagnosis, and has a sense of comfort from the ongoing support and care she receives from Wythenshawe Hospital and Macmillan.
We are proud to be the first Multi Academy Trust pledged to the Bee Screened campaign by Answer Cancer and to facilitate all of our colleagues in attending routine cancer screenings.
