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Survivor Spotlight: Denise Lee

January 1, 1970

"Early detection saved my life, support saved my soul."

Denise Lee was diagnosed with lung cancer at 55 after requesting she be screened. As a commuter in Northern California, she spent a lot of time on the freeway. One billboard she passed every day kept grabbing her attention –it promoted an online quiz to determine one’s lung cancer risk and screening eligibility. Denise had a long, on-again/off-again smoking history and was intrigued. She didn’t even know lung cancer screening even existed and, after taking the quiz, discovered she was eligible.Denise’s doctor wasn’t convinced she needed the screening but thanks to her persistence, he put in the order. Even though she was frightened about what she might learn, she received a simple CT scan and is so thankful she did – there was a spot on the left upper lobe which was diagnosed as a Stage IIB tumor. Denise had lung cancer.This experience changed me and how I view my life. I understand it can be scary, but it made the difference for me. If I had waited until I had symptoms, it might have been too late.She feels incredibly lucky she paid attention to that billboard and insisted on having the scan. They caught it early and, after treatment, has no evidence of disease (NED). Denise said, “experience changed me and how I view my life.” You never know what is ahead, so I promote low-dose screenings for early detection.”

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Lung cancer questions? Contact our free HelpLine at support@go2.org or 1-800-298-2436.