Lung cancer can strike anyone, but smokers at greatest risk
Anchor lead:
The recent death of Peter Jennings and the diagnosis of Dana Reeve have put lung cancer in the national spotlight. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. And according to the American Cancer Society, it kills more people than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined. Still many people don't know the basic facts when it comes to this disease. 'REPORTER NAME' has more.
Script:
Track:
Every Day millions of Americans light up, but many don't realize how much puffing on that pack of cigarettes is putting them at serious risk for cancer. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, which will claim over 163-thousand lives this year. Doctor Bruce Johnson of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston says how much and how long you smoke also makes a difference.
Doc Sound:
(Dr. Bruce Johnson, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
MP3 "lower risk"
"A person who is able to quit smoking and remains a non-smoker for 5 to 10 years can reduce the risk of developing lung cancer by about 50 percent."
Track:
For many lung cancer patients there is a stigma attached, that Johnson says is unfair. He stresses trying to quit smoking is difficult with only 15 percent of people remaining smoke free a year later.
Doc Sound:
(Dr. Bruce Johnson, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
MP3 "don't deserve lung cancer"
"People who smoke don't deserve to get lung cancer."
Track:
Like Dana Reeve, lung cancer can strike non-smokers. Causes have been linked to environmental exposure and genetics.
In it's earliest stages, lung cancer often has no symptoms. Later, symptoms can be hard to detect. People should see their doctor if they experience:
A cough that will not go away over several weeks;
Chest, shoulder, or back pain that doesn't go away;
Shortness of breath; or
bloody coughs.
Track:
If caught early, lung cancer can be successfully treated in many cases. Treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Still Dr. Johnson says that preventing lung cancer is better than the best treatment.
Doc Sound:
(Dr. Bruce Johnson, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
MP3 "stop smoking"
"The best way to prevent lung cancer is to never start smoking. For the people who are smokers, they should quit, and those who already have stopped smoking, they should remain non-smokers."
Track:
More importantly, he says, is to never start.
