Survivor 'Shines Light' on Lung Cancer
Fortunate enough that the disease was caught early, Legg is now devoting her time to dispelling the misunderstanding that only smokers get lung cancer.
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November 11, 2009
When she had routine CT scan for a pulled muscle in her back four years ago, Diane Legg had no idea she would be diagnosed with lung cancer, yet that is exactly what happened. Fortunate enough that the disease was caught early, Legg is now devoting her time to dispelling the misunderstanding that only smokers get lung cancer.
She therefore stresses the importance of vigilance and screening as even a mild cough in a non-smoker can be a symptom. "I have been given more time than most people get with this disease [and] early detection saved me," she said, quoted by Amesbury News.
After surviving four rounds of chemotherapy, the mother of three turned to the advocacy group Lung Cancer Alliance and with their help started the annual event Shine a Light on Lung Cancer, which is now a national vigil.
Four years later, Legg is thriving in her role as a cancer advocate and a recent half-marathon runner, a feat she hopes to repeat in the spring of 2010 with Team Love Lung to benefit the alliance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer and more than 90,000 die from the disease each year.
Quitting smoking is the single most important thing one can do to lower the odds of developing lung cancer, as 82 percent of deaths from the disease can be linked to tobacco, according to the American Cancer Society. In addition, a healthy lifestyle that may reduce the risk also includes proper diet, limited use of alcohol and regular exercise.
Individuals who would like to contribute to finding a cure may donate to the National Lung Cancer Partnership which works to improve treatments and generate funds for research.
When she had routine CT scan for a pulled muscle in her back four years ago, Diane Legg had no idea she would be diagnosed with lung cancer, yet that is exactly what happened. Fortunate enough that the disease was caught early, Legg is now devoting her time to dispelling the misunderstanding that only smokers get lung cancer.
She therefore stresses the importance of vigilance and screening as even a mild cough in a non-smoker can be a symptom. "I have been given more time than most people get with this disease [and] early detection saved me," she said, quoted by Amesbury News.
After surviving four rounds of chemotherapy, the mother of three turned to the advocacy group Lung Cancer Alliance and with their help started the annual event Shine a Light on Lung Cancer, which is now a national vigil.
Four years later, Legg is thriving in her role as a cancer advocate and a recent half-marathon runner, a feat she hopes to repeat in the spring of 2010 with Team Love Lung to benefit the alliance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer and more than 90,000 die from the disease each year.
Quitting smoking is the single most important thing one can do to lower the odds of developing lung cancer, as 82 percent of deaths from the disease can be linked to tobacco, according to the American Cancer Society. In addition, a healthy lifestyle that may reduce the risk also includes proper diet, limited use of alcohol and regular exercise.
Individuals who would like to contribute to finding a cure may donate to the National Lung Cancer Partnership which works to improve treatments and generate funds for research.
