Aurora Lucas, at the age of 28, was stunned by the diagnosis of stage 3 lung cancer, despite being a non-smoker and previous signs of the disease being faint. Initially experiencing chest pain in August 2021, she also felt extreme fatigue that caused her to stop driving out of fear of falling asleep at the wheel. She attributed these symptoms to stress from her busy schedule and upcoming move to Chicago for a new teaching job and her second year of a doctoral program.
Despite Aurora’s insurance not covering further testing, she returned to the emergency room three weeks later when her cough worsened, leaving her barely able to speak. After insisting on more tests and a biopsy, she received a lung cancer diagnosis on December 1, 2021.
Following two rounds of chemotherapy, 30 days of radiation therapy, and preventive medication to stop the tumor from spreading, Aurora continues to get regular check-ups to monitor her health. Despite the challenges, she remains active and continues her research for her doctoral thesis while advocating for regular screenings and awareness, especially among young people.
Aurora’s story reflects a global trend of rising early-onset cancer cases, including lung cancer, with more young people being diagnosed under the age of 50. While lung cancer rates have decreased in most age groups over the years, cases among individuals under 40 are on the rise. By sharing her journey and insights, Aurora hopes to emphasize the importance of early detection and proactive health measures for better outcomes and awareness about the disease.
Initially experiencing chest pain in August 2021
