Wife who almost ignored nagging cough has life saved

Most people’s fiftieth birthday presents come wrapped in shiny paper and tied with a great big bow but the one Janet Rodgerson remembers most came with neither.

“My 50th birthday present was the diagnosis of lung cancer,” says the 61-year-old. Eleven years on, she is revelling in the greatest gift of all, that of life.


She is grateful to the medics for giving her back her life, and to her loving husband Roland for caring for her.
Janet said: “If Roland hadn’t urged me to go and see my doctor, I would probably never have gone.”
“If I hadn’t gone when I did I might not be here now. I live every day to the full and I enjoy it.”

"I don’t know how it happened, but I survived thanks to the good work of the doctors and nurses.

“I’ve just done what the doctors have told me and I’ve had my friends and family around me because that is very important. When people ask about the cancer, I just tell them it’s gone to sleep. I’m careful and if I have a cough I get it checked out. I would tell anybody else to do the same.

“I take part in my local Cough Cough Campaign, which encourages people who have had a cough for three weeks or more to go to their doctor.

"If anyone is diagnosed with lung cancer, try not to let worry rule your emotions. Listen to your doctor’s advice and let family and friends support you.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is not the end of the world – it can be the start of a second chance, if it’s found early."

Possible signs of lung cancer

A cough for three weeks or more

A cough that has got worse or changes

Getting out of breath doing things you used to be able to do

Coughing up blood Frequent chest infections

Chest or shoulder pain Feeling more tired than you usually do for some time

Losing weight for no obvious reason

Lung cancer facts and stats

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in England, with around 37,600 new cases every year.

More than 9/10 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in those aged 50 and older.

Persistent cough

Everyone gets a cough now and then but a cough that doesn’t go away could be a sign of lung cancer. If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, tell your doctor. It’s probably nothing serious but if it is lung cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.

Visiting your GP

Your doctor will ask you some questions, such as how long have you had your symptoms and whether they have changed over time. It may help to write down your symptoms and how you feel, so that you don’t forget anything on your visit.

          She is urging anyone with the potential symptoms to get checked out right away