I'm scared I might have lung cancer

I am 56 and I have a pain on the left side of my back. I have no other symptoms . I also am a dog Walker and I had an accident with a dog about 4 weeks ago. I have now got very bad neck pain which is giving me tension headaches. Could it be the neck pain that is causing my upper left back pain. Am I just being stupid. I have to say I did Google my symptoms and scared myself to death  

  • Hi there - sorry you're worried - NOT a good feeling I know. BUT googling is a HUGE mistake because, as you rightly say, it's just scared you to death! Most of what's there is garbage & anything that isn't is likely to be medical/anatomical stuff which no-one understands unless they are medically qualified & I assume you aren't? 

    The chances are the headaches are (a) related to your accident (b) are caused by google i.e. tension/worry (c) a pulled muscle in your back & it's 'referred' pain.

    If I were you I'd check in with the GP just to be safe. But, in all honesty I really don't understand how you've got from a pain in your back to lung cancer. I'm not making light of your worry but just trying to be a bit objective & reassure you. Hope all goes well when you visit your GP. :)

  • It was because I went to the doc and saw a young registrar after I had my accident and she said its prob a muscle strain but could also be something more serious like lung cancer. I was shocked and she scared the life out.of me. The.pain is only there when I move around when I rest it goes away like I said I have no cough not coughing up blood no breathing issues.  I am now seeing a pain and injury specialist who believes the back pain is from my neck and prob from twisting my upper body. Thank you for putting.my.mind at rest 

  • Hi there - just for your info: I recently went to my GP about some unpleasant symptoms I was having. She was concerned enough to put me on the 2 way cancer pathway. I had tests immediately but all were clear thank goodness. I'm astonished that the Registrar said what she did WITHOUT putting you on that 2 week pathway. So, I'm not surprised you were so scared. I can only assume she didn't actually think there was a real concern!  I'm glad you're seeing the specialist for pain/injury & feel that's exactly what you need. Good luck to you.