​Man dies of lung cancer after being misdiagnosed as anxiety

A young man dies after the doctors misdiagnose his lung cancer for anxiety. Liam Handley, 36, a young and fit man from Derbyshire was diagnosed with anxiety when he complained of chest pains, palpitations ,and stress.

“I don’t think lung cancer was ever considered,” Liam’s mother Lynn told The Sun. The young man who was a non-smoker didn’t fit the typical lung cancer patient. Despite the various symptoms he showed, the doctors didn’t refer him to a chest X-ray and instead gave him medications for anxiety. One day, as the pain progressed, he was rushed to the emergency, as his family thought he was having a heart attack. During the hospitalization, it was found that Liam had blood clots in his lungs. However, they did not suspect cancer. Though he was discharged, the pain and symptoms persisted and worsened over time.

Liam started experiencing pain in his shoulders and lower back, however, the doctors prescribed stronger painkillers. Not able to find any solution and answers to his ailment, Liam ordered a private CT scan and was devastated to know that he had lung cancer. Unfortunately, by the time they detected the disease, it had already spread to his liver, spine, and lymph nodes.

Liam suffered from genetically mutated lung cancer called adenocarcinoma EGFR Exon 19 positive. This type of cancer affects people with little to no history of smoking.


Liam’s family was devastated and angry. “We were also so angry," Lynn told the publication. She revealed that the diagnosis itself took nine months. All the precious moments that could have made the difference were lost. Liam’s condition worsened, and he was restricted to lying flat, unable to sit up more than 30 degrees, and was not allowed to leave his bed. Though Liam underwent treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy radiation, and surgery, he passed away in 2021 as the cancer became terminal.

Lung cancer in non-smokers is a growing concern, accounting for 10-20% of lung cancer cases worldwide. Though traditionally lung cancer is often linked to smoking, it also occurs in individuals who have never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.

However, most nonsmokers have no early signs of lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. However, a few signs to look out for are.

• A persistent cough that doesn’t go away.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Coughing up blood or phlegm with blood streaks.

(Pic courtesy: iStock)