Three and a half years ago, Alison Tatum was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and told she had between 12 and 18 months to live.

Question

Her oncologist has called her "a walking miracle", as she is now cancer free.

"I’m aware the cancer could come back. But for now, I have a positive attitude and I’m doing well," the 55-year-old from Islington in north London said.

Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer, with survival rates lower than most other types, according to Cancer Research UK.

Sore back
Ms Tatum was treated with two drugs called cisplatin and etoposide phosphate.

Scientists funded by Cancer Research UK led some of the first clinical trials into the drugs.

Ms Tatum, who smoked most of her adult life, was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2021.

“I’d had a bit of a cough for a while, especially in the winter months, and then I developed a sore back," she said.

"Other than that, I was fine. I worked in a primary school for 22 years and I was never ill.

"One day, my son Jack saw something on the BBC about a woman who had had a prolonged cough and had a bad back. It turned out she had stage four lung cancer.

"He insisted I went to the doctor.”

Doctors found "shadowing" on Ms Tatum's left lung and told her she needed urgent treatment.

Mass on brain
“I had two large tumours on my lung," Ms Tatum said. "I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t feel unwell at all.

"It wasn’t possible to remove the tumours and they wanted to check if the cancer had spread to my brain. I was sure it hadn’t but they found ‘something odd’."

After three months of chemotherapy, a mass on her brain had gone. However, the treatment proved harsh for her.

"I asked what my prognosis was and the doctor said ‘Not good’," she said.

"I asked what he meant by that he said probably 12 to 18 months. I still didn’t feel unwell so it all seemed unreal.”

Doctors told Ms Tatum there was no cure for her cancer, but the treatment would hopefully hold the disease at bay.

“That was 2021 and we’re now nearly into 2025," she said.

"My consultant says I’m a walking miracle. I can’t quite believe it myself."

Smoking is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK.

Ms Tatum urged Londoners to write to their MP and ask them to support the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently going through Parliament, which will increase the age of sale for tobacco products.

Requirements for answering all questions : (Student’s analysis includes all of the required information and meets all of the specified requirements. The student’s analysis is well-organized, clear, and easy to understand. Student’s analysis has few to no spelling or grammatical errors.)

1. Why do you believe this article was written by a citizen journalist?
2. Why did you select this article?
3. Is the article accurate?
4. Is the content presented objectively and fairly?
5. Does the article protect the privacy of people?
6. Is the article appropriate?
7. Do you believe this citizen journalist created an ethical article? Why or why not?

Answer 1

1. Why do you believe this article was written by a citizen journalist?

This article appears to be written by a citizen journalist due to its personal narrative style and focus on an individual's experience rather than a broader news report. It highlights Alison Tatum's personal journey with lung cancer, emphasizing her unique story and perspective on her illness, recovery, and advocacy efforts. The conversational tone, attention to personal anecdotes, and emphasis on local implications, such as urging support for a specific bill, suggest a grassroots approach typical of citizen journalism.

2. Why did you select this article?

I selected this article because it provides a compelling personal account of a serious health issue, highlighting not only the medical aspects of lung cancer but also the emotional and social implications for patients and their families. Additionally, the article raises awareness about lung cancer, smoking, and legislative efforts to mitigate tobacco use, which are important public health topics. The story of Alison Tatum serves to inspire hope and underscores the impact of personal advocacy in health-related matters.

3. Is the article accurate?

The article appears to be accurate, as it presents specific medical information about lung cancer and mentions the appropriate treatment methods used for Alison Tatum. The details regarding her experience, including the diagnosis, treatment, and survival statistics for lung cancer in the UK, align with established knowledge about the disease. The mention of Cancer Research UK and the context surrounding the Tobacco and Vapes Bill also supports the credibility of the information presented.

4. Is the content presented objectively and fairly?

The content is generally presented in an objective manner, focusing on Alison Tatum's experiences and her perspective on her illness and recovery. However, there is a slight bias present due to the personal nature of the narrative, as it emphasizes Tatum's positive outcome and advocacy without delving deeply into the broader context of lung cancer and its challenges. While the article captures her individual story effectively, it does not fully explore the complexities of lung cancer treatment and the varying experiences of other patients.

5. Does the article protect the privacy of people?

Yes, the article appears to protect the privacy of individuals involved. It primarily focuses on Alison Tatum's experience without revealing sensitive personal information about her or her family beyond what is necessary to tell her story. The use of general information regarding her medical history, alongside appropriate contextual details, maintains her dignity and respect.

6. Is the article appropriate?

The article is appropriate, as it addresses a significant health issue relevant to a broad audience. It balances personal storytelling with informative content about lung cancer, treatment options, and public health advocacy, making it suitable for readers interested in health topics. Furthermore, it promotes positive actions, such as engaging with local MPs about tobacco legislation, which contributes to public discourse.

7. Do you believe this citizen journalist created an ethical article? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe this citizen journalist created an ethical article. The article showcases a personal battle with cancer while illuminating a public health issue, which empowers readers to engage in advocacy. It provides accurate medical information and aims to inspire hope while promoting legislative change for a healthier society. Ethical journalism encourages transparency, representation of personal experiences, and the sharing of knowledge for societal benefit, all of which are present in this article.