A mother who received a terminal lung cancer diagnosis six years ago, defying expectations, has been declared cancer-free. Leah Phillips, a non-smoker with a healthy lifestyle, initially sought medical advice for a persistent cough. Despite being given misdiagnoses, a subsequent scan revealed stage four lung cancer, leading to the devastating prognosis in 2020.
However, after undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy and a lobectomy, Leah has now surpassed the five-year survival rate for stage four lung cancer. She expressed astonishment at the absence of cancer in recent scans, contrary to the grim outlook initially provided by a doctor.
Through genetic testing, it was revealed that a mutation in Leah’s EGFR gene facilitated the cancer’s growth, a rare occurrence in non-smokers. While currently on targeted therapy, Leah remains vigilant with regular scans and is prepared for alternative treatments if necessary.
Emphasizing the importance of awareness, Leah stressed that lung cancer can affect non-smokers, urging vigilance, especially among individuals under 50 who may be unaware of the risks associated with the disease.
