Lung cancer are two words that changed Deena Cook’s life.
Deena and Coordinator of Peninsula Regional Medical Center‘s Lung Cancer Program, Brenda Martin, join us in the studio to talk about lung cancer and the stigma attached to it.
Deena shares her lung cancer story and gives us an update on her health she recently received.
The first thing many people think of when they hear lung cancer is, ‘well the patient must have smoked.’ They want to break that stigma.
“A simple fact: If you have lungs you can get lung cancer. As a lung cancer survivor, I was affected by this stigma,” Deena says. “Every lung cancer patient deserves compassion. Young people are being misdiagnosed because even health providers cannot get past the stigma that only smokers or former smokers get lung cancer. Please do not make the first words of conversation with a person diagnosed with lung cancer, ‘Did you smoke?’ Just say, “I am here for you, I am here to help.”
Brenda tells us how a person can qualify for low dose lung cancer screenings.
- Ages 55-77
- Person Who Currently Smokes or Quit Smoking in Past 15 Years
- Smoking History Must Be 30 Pack-Years
- For more info, call 410-543-7551
Their is an upcoming event on Nov. 2 called Shine a Light on Lung Cancer. PRMC is sponsoring the lung cancer awareness event from 6-7 p.m. at the Centre at Salisbury. It will be held at the stage area near Boscov’s department store. The event will feature speakers including survivors, researchers and experts in the early detection and treatment of lung cancer. It’s also a celebration for lung cancer survivors; Delmar Lions cheerleaders will be there to perform and there will be door prizes, giveaways and information. All are welcome.
Deena also shows off her tattoo she got after her daughters got tattoos for her.
