Non-smoker dies after lung cancer diagnosis at 37

A non-smoker who was diagnosed with lung cancer at 37 has died aged 42.

Juliet Fielder, known as Jules, from Hastings, East Sussex, had been given a prognosis of six to nine months in August 2025, and passed away on 22 May.

Fielder wanted to challenge "outdated stereotypes" about the condition, especially that it only affects older people or people who smoke.

MP for Hastings & Rye Helena Dollimore said: "Jules Fielder was a very special woman. She chose to spend the energy and time she had left campaigning for earlier diagnosis and better awareness of symptoms of lung cancer, so that others would not suffer the same fate."

She added: "Her work has undoubtedly saved lives and for that we will be forever grateful."

Fielder posted on Facebook on 7 May saying that she could not "get on top of cancer now" and that Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) had spread to her spinal fluid, causing her to lose mobility.

In her final post, she urged people to never stop talking about lung cancer.

"Advocating for this cruel disease over last 4 year's gave me hope and an identity and I am so proud of myself for what I have achieved," she said.

"I hope I have taught you over the years that cancer lives with you, not the other way round."

Fielder campaigned online for "urgent action" about the condition in partnership with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, which led to her securing a meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting on 16 December.

In a social media post on 22 May, members of the foundation said they were "grateful" Jules had been a part of their lives.

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