No One Is Safe

Like so many people, I was saddened by the death last night of Dana Reeve. I admired the way she stood by her husband through his paralysis ordeal.

Dana Reeve died of lung cancer at 44 years old and had never smoked. Today, people are asking about how that could happen — believing that lung cancer only happens to older people who were long time smokers.

To clear up some of the confusion, I asked Dr. Robert Ashton, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, a few questions about lung cancer.

Dr. Manny: Can patients get lung cancer if they do not smoke?

Dr. Robert Ashton: Yes. Ten to 15 percent of patients who develop lung cancer have never smoked. The cause of lung cancer in these individuals may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research continues to find the basis for lung cancer in non-smokers, as well as smokers. It is important to understand that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and quitting is essential for this disease as well as your overall health.

Dr. Manny: Does lung cancer affect men and women the same way?

Dr. Robert Ashton: Overall, yes. However, some studies do show that women who smoke have a higher incidence of lung cancer when compared to men. Women also die at a greater rate than men. There are many reasons for this, and more work needs to be done to understand these differences.

Dr. Manny: Should people be routinely screened for lung cancer?

Dr. Robert Ashton: Currently there are no screening recommendations by the American Cancer Society or American College of Chest Physicians. The question is currently being studied in national trials. Recent smaller trials have shown that CAT scans can find lung cancer at earlier stages, and therefore may be better treated and cured in these early stages. Individuals who smoke should see their primary physicians and discuss the option, realizing that insurance may not cover the cost of the screening scan.

Dr. Manny: What are current treatment options available?

Dr. Robert Ashton: There are a combination of treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Depending upon the stage of the patient, each one independently, or in combination may be used. It is important for patients to be properly staged and treated by individuals who specialize in lung cancer. Lung cancer kills more people per year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Therefore, it is essential to receive the best treatment from the beginning.

Many of you have written in to share your cancer stories. Here are just a few of them. As always, thank you for your e-mails. Please keep writing!