My unexpected battle with lung cancer - a non-smoker's story

I receive an unexpected call right after my chest x-ray, and my doctor delivers some unsettling news. Apparently, there's a suspicious spot that catches their attention. Naturally, I respond with surprise, thinking, "Oh, really?" From that point on, I embark on a whirlwind journey, undergoing a needle biopsy and anxiously awaiting the results. When the call finally comes, the voice on the other end utters the chilling words, "It's adenocarcinoma." I'm utterly stunned. I mean, I never saw it coming because I couldn't fathom the possibility of having lung cancer.
What makes it even more bewildering is that I've never, ever smoked. Growing up, my family wasn't heavily into smoking either. Sure, my dad used to smoke when I was a child, but he quit a long time ago. So, receiving this shocking diagnosis feels completely out of the blue. It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I could actually have lung cancer.
#lungcancerawareness #nonsmoker #shockingnews #unexpectedjourney #healthjourney
Alice S. Y. Lee is an emergency physician.
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[@5Gburn]

Dr. Kevin, seems to me we're having many times more cases of cancer generally than ever. Do you think that's true, and what do you think the cause(s) of increased incidence are?

[@KevinMD]

It's a complex issue, and while it may seem like cancer cases are increasing, advancements in detection and awareness play a significant role. Factors like lifestyle choices, environmental influences, and genetics are also contributors. It’s essential to stay informed and proactive about health.