”I have never smoked.” - Lung Cancer Survivor Julie Paup

When we think of lung cancer, we often think of people who smoke. But in the United States, about 10% to 20% of lung cancers, or 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancers each year, happen in people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, according to the CDC.

In this episode, we're joined by Julie Paup, who despite never having smoked in her life, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in 2015. "My outlook was bleak." It's now been six years since the diagnosis and Julie is cancer free.

Julie shares her story and why it's important to not ignore symptoms - it may save your life.

You can help lower your risk of lung cancer by staying away from secondhand smoke, diesel exhaust, and other air pollution. You should get your home tested for radon and take steps to lower the radon level if it is high.

Today, Julie is a volunteer services manager at MercyOne. We also chat about the important roles volunteers serve within our hospitals.

Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne