Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
A highly fit cyclist has brought attention to a subtle indicator of lung cancer that can present in the legs. This comes after he received a startling diagnosis of advanced lung cancer, even though he had never smoked. This case shines a light on the importance of being aware of less common lung cancer symptoms.
Unexpected Lung Cancer Diagnosis Despite Fitness
Chad Dunbar, a 45-year-old father of two and tech executive, was devastated to learn in 2023 that he had late-stage lung cancer. The disease had metastasized, spreading to his brain, liver, bones, and lymph nodes near his heart.
Doctors have given Mr. Dunbar, from Utah, a grim prognosis, estimating a mere five percent chance of survival beyond five years.
Subtle Symptom Mistaken for Fitness Strain
In a video shared by The Young Lung Cancer Initiative, Mr. Dunbar recounted that the sole indication of his illness was pain and swelling in one calf.
Having recently cycled 3,000 miles (4,800km) that season, he initially attributed the discomfort to an overworked muscle.
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However, subsequent medical evaluations revealed the pain to be a symptom of a far more serious condition.
Shocking News and Initial Reaction
Mr. Dunbar recalled his reaction to the diagnosis: “The nurse came in and said, ‘We believe you have lung cancer.’”
“My immediate thought was disbelief, ‘No way,’” he added.
“I was cycling 3,000 miles on my mountain bike every season, and I believed my lungs were the healthiest part of my body,” he explained.
His initial response involved “denial, anger… I was frequently frustrated… I had many questions, like how and why me?”
Call for Vigilance Regarding Lung Cancer Signs
Now, he is urging others to be “vigilant” about recognizing subtle signs of the disease, emphasizing that “anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer.”
While common lung cancer symptoms include a persistent cough, chest infections, and ongoing breathlessness, other less recognized symptoms can emerge when the disease spreads.
Leg Swelling: A Lesser-Known Symptom
Cancer can induce swelling in the extremities if it has spread to the lymph nodes—glands that assist in waste removal from the body.
Inflammation in these nodes due to a tumor can lead to fluid accumulation, known as lymphedema.
A growing tumor can also compress blood vessels, reducing blood flow and causing fluid buildup, or impede the function of vital organs, such as the heart or lungs, potentially leading to swelling in other parts of the body.
RET Mutation and Treatment
Mr. Dunbar’s lung cancer is characterized by a RET mutation—a genetic error in his cells that causes uncontrolled growth and multiplication.
Mr. Dunbar believed his lungs were in peak condition before his late-stage lung cancer diagnosis in 2023.
Lung cancer is a significant health concern, claiming approximately 35,000 lives annually in Britain.
RET mutations are found in about two percent of adenocarcinomas, a type of lung cancer that begins in the lining of the airways and air sacs. It is more prevalent among younger individuals and those who have never smoked.
Initially, Mr. Dunbar showed a positive response to treatment, which included targeted therapies and standard chemotherapy.
“My scans in July showed significant improvement,” he stated.
“The six brain tumors reduced to two, the three spots on my ribs were undetectable, the liver spots diminished, and the primary tumor in my lung continued to shrink.”
Disease Progression and Prognosis Update
However, in March 2024, doctors reported that tumors in his brain and liver had regrown, significantly decreasing his survival chances.
“My doctors estimated a five percent chance of living beyond five years,” he disclosed.
After a brief period of despair, Mr. Dunbar resolved to continue his fight.
“I thought, you know what? A five percent chance is still a chance, I’ll take those odds,” he affirmed.
Living with Hope and Seeking Treatment
Now, Mr. Dunbar is determined to “savor every moment” with his sons, Walker and Noah, and his wife, Allyson.
In a message accompanying the video release, he wrote: “My desire to live is stronger than my fear of dying, so I remain hopeful that we will overcome this and emerge stronger.”
Since the video’s release, Mr. Dunbar has begun an experimental treatment trial that requires bi-weekly trips to California.
Rising Lung Cancer Cases in Non-Smokers
While smoking remains a major risk factor in approximately 70 percent of lung cancer cases, experts have observed an unexplained increase in the disease among individuals who have never smoked.
Earlier this year, research indicated that lung cancer cases in non-smokers now exceed those in smokers in certain demographics.
While the exact cause is still under investigation, increased exposure to air pollution is suspected to be a contributing factor.
Lung Cancer Statistics and Symptoms
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK, claiming around 35,000 lives annually, equating to about four deaths every hour.
Common symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough lasting over three weeks, recurrent chest infections, coughing up blood, pain during breathing, persistent shortness of breath and fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Unusual Lung Cancer Warning Signs
Less common, but notable, signs of lung cancer can include changes in finger appearance (clubbing), difficulty or pain swallowing, wheezing, voice changes, and swelling in the face or neck.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is strongly advised to consult their General Practitioner.