Thousands of non-smokers die of lung cancer every year
Here at HSI we were deeply saddened last week to hear that Dana Reeve – the widow of Christopher Reeve – passed away at age 44, a victim of lung cancer.
There’s obviously no “bright side” to the loss of this vital, talented young mother. But her death has drawn much-needed attention to the fact that thousands of non-smokers die of lung cancer every year.
Researchers don’t yet know why, but about 80 percent of non-smokers who succumb to lung cancer are women.
Lung cancer is generally thought of as a disease that mostly afflicts male smokers. But according to a USA Today article, “Lung cancer causes more deaths among women than breast, uterine and ovarian cancers combined.”
I hope all women will take note of these four primary lung cancer warning signs:
- A cough that changes character (such as severity or frequency)
- Awakened at night by coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in sputum
If any of these symptoms are prolonged, call your doctor immediately and schedule a check up. Your chances of survival are far greater when lung cancer is diagnosed in the early stages.
