Barbara Rodriguez: Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Why Early Detection Saved My Life and Could Save Yours?

Barbara Rodriguez, Freelance Writer, shared on LinkedIn:

“Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Why Early Detection Saved My Life and Could Save Yours November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and as someone who has

November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and as someone who has walked through the storm of cancer, I feel compelled to share my story—not just for me, but for the millions of others who are at risk every single day. Lung cancer is often called the “silent killer,” but this month, let’s break that silence and shine a light on the disease that affects so many lives.

Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide? Yet, it’s often detected too late. That’s exactly what almost happened to me.

The Diagnosis I Never Saw Coming

In July 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage 3A lung cancer, and the most shocking part of that diagnosis? I had no symptoms.

Not a single one. No persistent cough. No shortness of breath. Nothing.

On the first day of my new job, I received the call that would change my life forever. A routine screening revealed a spot on my lung that led to my diagnosis. I hadn’t been a smoker for years, but a 35-year history was enough to put me at risk. What saved my life was early detection, driven by the grace of God.

Who is Really at Risk?

It’s time to confront the stigma around lung cancer. Too many people think it’s a smoker’s disease, but that’s not the full picture. Yes, smoking is a major risk factor, but non-smokers are not immune. People who quit smoking years ago, those exposed to secondhand smoke, and even those with environmental exposures can develop lung cancer.

In my case, it was an EGFR mutation, not smoking, that led to my cancer diagnosis. Lung cancer can happen to anyone, and early screening is the only way to catch it before it’s too late.

Why Early Detection is Everything

Lung cancer is often detected in its late stages, making it more difficult to treat. But if caught early, the odds of survival drastically improve. Low-dose CT scans are a game-changer in early detection. This simple, non-invasive screening can detect lung cancer long before any symptoms appear, just like it did for me.

If I hadn’t gone for that screening, my story might be very different.

How You Can Take Action This November

This November, let’s take action together:

1. Get Screened: If you’re over 50 and have a history of smoking or exposure to environmental risks, talk to your doctor about getting a low-dose CT scan. Early detection can save your life.
2. Spread Awareness: Share the facts about lung cancer with your network. The more we talk about it, the more we break down the stigma and encourage others to get screened.
3. Support Lung Cancer Research: Donate to organizations that are funding groundbreaking research. Every dollar helps bring us closer to better treatments and, one day, a cure.

A Future of Hope

Lung cancer is not a death sentence, and I am living proof of that. Early detection gave me time—time to fight, time to heal, and time to spread awareness. As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s raise our voices, encourage screenings, and remember that hope is alive.

Whether you’ve been directly impacted by lung cancer or know someone who has, let’s use November as a powerful reminder that awareness and action save lives.

Together, we can make a difference.”

The Importance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month