Lying about Lung Cancer

My brother in law says he was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2024. He noticed red spots/marks on his legs and this made him attend a doctors appointment. The doctor sent him for blood test and then before we knew it he was at the hospital having a biopsy through keyhole surgery.

Nobody as ever been into any appointments with him. Nobody as ever spoken with his consultant or doctor about his diagnosis. We just taken his word for it. My partner and his family don't want to ask him questions because he's going through enough with having lung cancer so they don't want to put more stress on him. 

My brother in law attends a certain hospital for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We have recently found out that hospital does not do radiotherapy. They do chemotherapy but not radiotherapy.

Ive spoken with friends and they say if he's having chemotherapy then he should have a picc line (he has nothing). He has chemotherapy and radiotherapy on a Monday and then radiotherapy on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday all at the same hospital.

Surely there should be some sort or weight loss or hair loss but he's put weight on his hair hasn't changed (he's never lost any). 

How do I approach him because I know he's definitely lied about having radiotherapy at Wigan hospital because they don't do it there? 

Any help would be grateful appreciated. 

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    It is very difficult for us to comment on this situation as we are not involved in your brother in law's care and can't say whether what he is saying is true or not.

    I am sure that if he wants to talk it through with you then I am sure he will.

    It is probably best not to discuss with others and to respect his privacy.

    I can understand how frustrating this must be for you particularly as you probably want to be able to support him.

    Best wishes,

    Catherine