EGFR Positive UK is a support group for people affected by lung cancer with an EGFR mutation, and their families. With nearly eighty members across the UK (and growing fast), we offer support, empathy and share information about treatments and treatment options. We also campaign to raise awareness of lung cancer and improve access to new drugs, representing the patient experience wherever possible, including at NICE appraisals.
EGFR positive lung cancer refers to lung cancers that test positive for an EGFR mutation. EGFR stands for epidermal growth factor receptor, a protein that is present on the surface of normal cells and cancer cells. Mutations in the EGFR gene cause cancer cells to have too much EGFR protein and multiply faster than normal cells.
EGFR mutations are most common in people with adenocarcinoma, which is a form of non-small cell lung cancer. It is more common in non-smokers than smokers and affects more women than men. EGFR lung cancer accounts for 10-15% of non-small lung cancer diagnoses. It is often diagnosed when the disease is advanced and curative treatment is not possible. Research and new treatments have improved the outlook for patients, but lung cancer remains a devastating diagnosis for patients and their families.
There is a stigma about lung cancer which means that lung cancer patients often feel isolated; having the support of others who are on the same journey makes a huge difference.

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Mike Marcus

In July 2018 I was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. I was informed that it was was incurable. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I always thought I was healthy and have never smoked.

I have been a runner for many years and prior to my diagnosis I had completed 5 full marathons in 4 years with loads of half marathons. Since my diagnosis I have completed 6 half marathons.

 I want to raise awareness of the EGFR mutation in lung cancer. Despite the commonly held view that lung cancer is a smokers disease the vast majority of EGFR positive are women and people who have never smoked.  As a friend of mine said “if you have lungs you can get cancer”. By bringing attention to this disease I want to encourage people to seek medical assistance if they have a persistent cough or they are more tired for seemingly no reason. The earlier the diagnosis the better the prognosis.

I am running the Robin Hood Half Marathon on the 29 September and Victoria Park 10 k in London on the 12 October in order to raise funds for publicity for this group. You can read Some of the stories from our group here as well as a description of our group . I am surrounded by truly amazing people .

I won’t let a tumour stop me from living!

Wishing  you all well
Mike Marcus EGFR positive

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Kathy Beattie


“I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 with stage IV lung cancer which had spread to my lymph nodes, and later spread to my bones. I am living with cancer not dying.”
Sasha Langford
“I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in December 2018 in A&E. I’d had a cough for just three weeks before I saw my GP, and less than a month later, age 44 and a life-long non-smoker, I received my diagnosis. I have responded well to targeted therapy and have been able to return to work. I have also become an advocate for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation by featuring in awareness campaigns and I currently organising a fundraising evening to raise funds for research and awareness that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.”

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Jenny Abbott


“I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in February 2018 in A&E, age 54. Like most women, I worried about breast and cervical cancer. It never occurred to me as a fit never-smoker that I could get lung cancer but two days after feeling breathless on my regular weekend run, I was told I had lung cancer which had spread to both my lungs and my bones. I now know anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. I have been working to raise awareness of lung cancer in between my normal life as a mum to three teenage children.”

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Sasha Langford

“I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in December 2018 in A&E. I’d had a cough for just three weeks before I saw my GP, and less than a month later, age 44 and a life-long non-smoker, I received my diagnosis. I have responded well to targeted therapy and have been able to return to work. I have also become an advocate for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation by featuring in awareness campaigns and I currently organising a fundraising evening to raise funds for research and awareness that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.”
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