Non-Smoker Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Shares His Only 'Silent' Symptom

It's widely known that smoking is a major cause of lung cancer. However, a shocking diagnosis proved this isn't always the case for everyone. One healthy man, despite never smoking, was stunned to learn he had advanced lung cancer after experiencing a single, unexpected symptom.

In 2022, 45-year-old Chad Dunbar, a father from Utah, was left speechless when healthcare professionals told him they suspected lung cancer. This news was particularly jarring for Chad, who felt his lungs were likely the healthiest part of his body. He had recently completed an impressive physical feat, having served as the cycling ride leader for the largest youth team in the United States for six years. Just a week before his diagnosis, he had cycled over 3,000 miles in the mountains.

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A Diagnosis of Disbelief and a Subtle Clue

In a video shared by cancer charity RETpositive, Chad explained his disbelief at the diagnosis. "The nurse came in she's like, 'Hey, we think you have lung cancer'. I was thinking, man, there's no way. I was doing 3,000 miles on my mountain bike every season and my lungs were probably the healthiest piece of me."

He described his reaction as a mix of emotions: "You know it was surreal, it was denial, it was p**sed off, I'd get mad a lot... I had a lot of questions, 'How, why me?'"

The video, originally posted on YouTube in 2024, revealed that by this point, Chad's cancer had tragically spread "to his brain, liver, bones and lymph nodes near his heart."

In a follow-up video, Dunbar admitted that his main symptom was incredibly subtle and surprising: pain and swelling in his calf. He initially thought he had simply overworked a muscle while cycling, only to receive the devastating news that he had stage 4 cancer.

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Understanding Lung Cancer Symptoms and RET Mutation

While Chad's symptom was unusual, common lung cancer symptoms can vary in severity and include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, breathlessness, and unexplained tiredness.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) states that 70% of lung cancer cases are linked to smoking. However, Chad's cancer stemmed from a RET mutation. This is a change in a gene that helps cells grow. In his case, these faulty cells grew uncontrollably, leading to lung cancer. Lung cancer caused by a RET mutation can spread to other parts of the body, including the bones in the legs. This spread can lead to pain, weakness, or even fractures in the legs, making it difficult to walk or stand.

Optimism in the Face of Adversity

Despite a grim prediction from his doctors in March of last year—a mere five percent chance of living over five years—Dunbar has maintained an incredibly optimistic outlook on his future. He shared his defiant spirit, saying, "I thought, 'Hey, you know what? Freaking five percent, I'll take those odds.'"

If you or someone you know has been affected by cancer and needs support, you can contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.

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Chad's story is a powerful reminder that cancer symptoms can be incredibly varied. What are your thoughts on how important it is to listen to your body, even when symptoms seem minor?