This woman’s post about her lung cancer diagnosis is so important

Vicky Veness is a 30-year-old woman from Cheltenham.

She is a personal trainer who, just over a week ago, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Vicky was given this diagnosis on the same day that she took this photo of herself. She has taken to social media to try and alter the way people view those who are battling illnesses. She said: "When you have cancer you won’t necessarily look ill on the outside.” Vicky started off her Facebook post by saying that the photo was taken just hours before she became aware of her diagnosis. She says that she is a personal trainer, a runner, and a non-smoker, and that a lot of the time, the symptoms associated with cancer may be a lot more subtle than people are familiar with.

“Unfortunately my symptoms were brushed off as asthma by many general practitioners. If you feel unwell for whatever reason, it doesn't matter how silly you might think it might be, see your doctor, question everything and keep going back until you get the answers you need."

Vicky ended her post by saying that that week had been the most challenging of her life, but that she was ready to fight. She also included the hashtags 'stand up to cancer,' 'road to recovery' and 'cancer research UK.' Vicky's post has already received over 4,400 likes and 1,500 comments. Lung cancer is one of the cancers that most commonly affects both men and women in Ireland. Its most common symptoms include, but are not restricted to, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, weakness or fatigue, and coughing up blood.