‘I was told to spend finals days at home before simple thing saved my life’

At the age of 31, Becca Smith faced a devastating diagnosis of an incurable form of lung cancer, with doctors saying that there were no further treatment options available. She was sent home to spend her final days with her family, having endured excruciating back pain, initially attributing it to an injury.

However, a glimmer of hope emerged when a simple biopsy unexpectedly presented a lifeline in 2020. Becca, residing in Chester, had been grappling with non-small cell lung cancer, the most prevalent type of lung cancer, altering the course of her life.

The shattering moment arrived when Becca learned from doctors that her cancer had metastasized throughout her body, leaving no further medical options. As Becca’s health continued to decline, her family gathered by her bedside to bid their farewells. However, a sudden ray of hope emerged when Becca’s mother received the results of a biopsy, marking a pivotal turning point that would redefine everything.

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Now Becca is preparing to spend another happy Christmas with family and friends thanks to the specialist cancer treatment she continues to receive. “I live an active, healthy lifestyle,” Becca told CheshireLive. “I’ve never smoked. So I assumed I’ve injured myself training and thought I perhaps had a slipped disc.”

As part of her diagnosis, Becca went through numerous tests including MRI and CT scans and a special biopsy was taken from her back. She said: “My world collapsed when I was told it was cancer and it had spread around my body, including to my brain. The doctors said nothing could be done.

“I have a group of really good friends, along with my sisters, mum, dad and close family. Everyone spent time around my bedside, saying goodbye. I have vague memories of people singing to me and telling me stories, wearing masks and not getting too close because it was during Covid.

“My sister researched some amazing nutritionist for me and spent hours making me juices. But then my mum received a phone call from the hospital with the results of the biopsy which would change everything.”

The biopsy findings revealed that Becca had tested positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). ALK lung cancer is attributed to a gene mutation within the cancer cells. Interestingly, cancers with this mutation are frequently identified in non-smokers or light smokers, often impacting individuals who are younger and more physically fit than the typical demographic diagnosed with lung cancer.

Joanne Wilson is a Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and is part of the team now treating Becca. She said: “There are lots of different gene mutations, one of which is ALK. With some gene mutations, we have special medication that can interrupt the growth of the cancer.

“These medications block the process that causes the cancer to grow, with the tablets focusing on only the mutation and not healthy cells. These are called targeted therapies.

“Some people with ALK lung cancer respond very well to targeted therapy, as Becca has. Though not a cure for lung cancer, treatment can often stop people’s cancer from growing, and even shrink it. Targeted therapies are often a much more effective treatment that standard chemotherapy and patients are at less risk of developing an infection or experiencing side effects.”

Three years on from her initial diagnosis, Becca is now managing her cancer with daily medication. She recently received a setback when scans showed slight progression in the cancer in her brain.

“I love meeting my friends for coffee and going walking every morning to clear my head. I do yoga, Pilates, eat well and I’m working again, setting up my own gym. Christmas this year will be full of laughter, friends and family, as well as my Labradoodle, Ralph. I’ve got lots to look forward to.”