Meet Claire McHugh
A cancer-stricken woman, Claire McHugh, 49, from Newcastle, feared she wouldn't live to meet her grandkids after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021. Her journey took a groundbreaking turn when she became the first person globally to receive an "anti-cancer injection."
A World First Treatment
Administered at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, the injection considerably reduces treatment time compared to traditional methods. Claire, who found the immunotherapy process uncomfortable, opted for this innovative approach to her treatment.
Facing the Diagnosis
Claire's battle began with feelings of tiredness, weight loss, and difficulty lying flat in bed. An x-ray revealed fluid-filled lungs, leading to the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) by oncologist Professor Alastair Greystoke.
From Immunotherapy to Injection
Having undergone chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Claire now receives treatment every four weeks. The switch to atezolizumab injection has made the process quicker and less uncomfortable, allowing her to focus on spending time with her grandchildren.
Early Detection is Key
Professor Greystoke emphasizes the importance of early detection for lung cancer, urging individuals to seek medical advice if experiencing symptoms like a persistent cough, unexplained breathlessness, chest pain, or coughing up blood.
