Upper back pain could it be lung cancer?

Hi I have had pain in my upper back between my spine and shoulder blade for nearly 5 weeks now.  Dr is at a loss and has referred me for an xray to *rule out" the chance of something bad  I have no other symptoms other than pain in my back but my anxiety is through the roof that it's lung cancer.

My mum passed with lung cancer 4 years ago which raises my anxiety I suppose but I just can't stop thinking about it it's making me distraught.  I know you can't give me a diagnosis so my question is general, is it common to have no other symptoms and for it to be lung cancer?

Is lung cancer treatable? What else could this be?  I'm so very very frightened and constantly crying.  My xray is on Monday how long will I have to wait to find out if its clear?  Thank you 

  • Hello Rocketdog and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about losing your mum to lung cancer a few years ago. That must have been a difficult time for you and I can appreciate the concerns you now have about your own health.

    Unfortunately it is only going to be the xray that can rule out cancer but please try not to over think this for now.

    Back pain generally is common and the pain you are experiencing could be due to a muscle strain or injury (known or unknown), poor posture or general wear and tear and arthritis.

    If and when lung cancer is present the symptoms a person does or doesn't have will vary. This is why any new and ongoing symptoms are best checked out, just to be on the safe side.

    Waiting for results is never easy so I hope you don't have too long a wait. When you have the x-ray ask how long it will be for the results to be back with your GP.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Thank you Naomi I'm really struggling mental to keep my emotions under control I'm so afraid.  I'm not sure how I'm going to keep it together till the results come in