Kim Oakhill, a 51-year-old British woman, received treatment for perimenopause for months before discovering that she actually had advanced-stage lung cancer. It all began with hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and leg pain, symptoms that were initially attributed to hormonal changes typical of menopause.
As time went by, the symptoms worsened and doctors increased her hormone treatment. However, when she began to suffer from a persistent cough and changes in her voice, she underwent more in-depth tests. The tests revealed a tumor in her right lung and metastases in her heart and brain, confirming stage 4 incurable lung cancer.
Kim, a mother of three and a former worker in the British health system, said she never smoked and never imagined she would receive that diagnosis. She is currently seeking to raise funds to access private treatment that could extend her life. In addition, she decided to share her story to raise awareness about the symptoms and to remind people that lung cancer can also affect non-smokers.