Angela Terry: EGFR+ UK

Today we welcomed Angela Terry on what she reckoned was her third visit to the Club. She came to speak about EGFR+, which was Mo Sadiq’s chosen charity during his Presidential year. They support people suffering from lung cancer caused by the epidermal growth factor receptor. This is an acquired form of cancer which mainly affects people who have never smoked. About 80% of sufferers are women.

Angela was diagnosed with EGFR some five years ago. She didn’t have any symptoms but had to have X-rays following injuries caused by a fall while skiing, during which her pole had bruised her chest. This showed the presence of lung cancer, which was later proved to be caused by EGFR.

Angela had surgery to remove the tumour and has since been taking prescribed drugs for her condition. Unfortunately the drugs eventually lose their effectiveness, after which the sufferer has to rely on traditional lung cancer treatments.

Angela’s condition was picked up when she was being investigated for something else. She emphasised the need to be on the look-out for symptoms of lung cancer, such as coughing, breathlessness, lethargy and coughing up blood. As with all cancers, early treatment gives the best outcomes.