Graeme’s Story: Living Well with Lung Cancer

The Power of Digital Support

In 2013, Graeme from Renfrewshire, Scotland, was diagnosed with stage two lung cancer. By 2017, it had progressed to stage four. Over the years, he’s undergone surgery and more than 80 rounds of chemotherapy. When those treatments stopped working, Graeme began a new targeted treatment drug that he continues today—living well and staying active. His determination to take control of his health also led him to explore new research opportunities, turning his journey into one of resilience and hope.

His research journey began earlier this year at  the British Thoracic Oncology Group (BTOG) Conference in Belfast. While attending the event, he noticed flyers promoting a new research study involving an app designed for people living with lung cancer. After speaking with the lead researcher Suriya Kirkpatrick over coffee, he was intrigued by the concept and signed up for the study the following week.

What particularly appealed to Graeme was the chance to contribute to something that might improve physiotherapy support for lung cancer patients—an area he felt had been lacking in his own experience.

A Journey Worth Travelling

With few opportunities of this kind available, he wanted to do what he could to promote quality of life for lung cancer patients and show that even with stage four lung cancer, it’s possible to live well and meaningfully. Graeme travelled from Glasgow to Bristol’s Southmead Hospital during certain check points of the study —a journey he felt was well worth it.

Trying the App

As part of the study, Graeme used the Handheld Health Lung Cancer app, which he found very easy to download and set-up. Like many people, he was already familiar with using apps in daily life, and this app was no different. It paired seamlessly with a smartwatch, which tracked his heart rate and other health metrics.

Each day, the app prompts users to answer a few simple questions about their mood, breathing, and energy levels Based on those responses, it generates a personalised activity plan tailored to how the user is feeling that day. This approach makes staying active more manageable and less intimidating.

A Positive Impact on Health and Wellbeing

The Handheld Health Lung Cancer  app has had a significant impact on Graeme’s wellbeing. Not only has it encouraged him to become more physically active, but it has also helped reduce his anxiety levels. As a result, he has become less reliant on medication to manage stress and mental health. Instead benefiting from the natural mood boost that comes with movement and relaxation techniques.

Graeme believes the app could benefit anyone living with lung cancer, regardless of their stage of cancer  or current fitness level. He especially wishes it had been available during periods when his mobility was poor—when even climbing a flight of stairs was difficult. Simple stretches and light movement could have made a big difference then. Even now, as someone who is more active and regularly walks Dexter the family dog, he still finds the app valuable for maintaining his routine.

Getting Involved in Research

Although this was Graeme’s first time participating in a study as a patient, he has long been involved in lung cancer advocacy as a patient representative. He has taken part in trial management groups and engaged with various research initiatives aimed at improving care and outcomes for others.

For those considering taking part in research, Graeme strongly recommends it. He believes it offers a chance to better understand your condition, provides a new focus, and can lead to improvements not only in personal wellbeing but also in the lives of other patients. He also points out that loved ones can be inspired and encouraged by seeing someone take proactive steps toward better health.

Dispelling Misconceptions About Exercise

Graeme acknowledges that exercising with lung cancer can feel daunting—especially after surgery or when experiencing chest discomfort. However, he emphasises that, when done correctly, gentle exercise can actually help strengthen the lungs and improve overall health. The key is to choose activities suited to one’s ability level and gradually build from there.

Graeme’s experience with the LungFit Study and Handheld Health Lung Cancer App  highlights the growing potential of digital tools to support people living with cancer. For him, it’s about more than just tracking symptoms—it’s about gaining control, improving wellbeing, and feeling empowered.

His hope is that more patients will have access to tools like this in the future and that sharing stories like his will help others feel confident in taking that first step.

“You can still live a good quality of life—even with stage four lung cancer,” Graeme says. “And anything that helps make that possible is worth exploring.”