7 replies to this topic

[Farley]

Christopher Reeve's widow announced Tuesday that she's facing a battle with lung cancer and is looking to her husband "as the ultimate example of defying the odds with strength, courage and hope."

"I hope before too long to be sharing news of my good health and recovery," said Dana Reeve, who won worldwide admiration for the steadfast support of her husband during his nine years as a quadriplegic.

Christopher Reeve, the star of the "Superman" movies, died last year.

Dana Reeve, the 44-year-old actress and chairwoman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, was a nonsmoker, said foundation spokeswoman Maggie Goldberg.

Her announcement came two days after the lung cancer death of ABC News anchor Peter Jennings, a smoker, at age 67.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/dana_reeve

[bordercolliefan]

It is a little known fact that many lung cancer cases are among non-smokers.

That is sad news. She has certainly had her share of hardship.

[bordercolliefan]

I just looked it up. 13% of lung cancer cases are among non-smokers.

[old soldier]

this sad story makes me glad that my folks got mad when I thought about smoking...never did so the old lung cancer probably is not what takes me out.

its a darn shame that the tobacco folks got lots of money to give the politicians cause if they didn't they probably would have outlawed smoking.

the old saying is ...he who has the gold makes the rules

[JMH]

My parents always told me that God would never give someone more than they could handle. I am amazed with this lady and I know that I would not have even close to her strength. Let's all remember her in our prayers..

[Farley]

I just looked it up.  13% of lung cancer cases are among non-smokers.

But did you see anything about the effects of second-hand smoke?

[bordercolliefan]

Yes. I did not see a figure of how many non-smoker cases are attributable to second-hand smoke. This might be impossible for them to determine.

But I did see statistics that were something like: if you're a male smoker, smoking increases your likelihood of getting lung cancer by 30 times. Lifetime exposure to secondhand smoke increases your likelihood by 2-3 times.

These aren't exact figures -- I can't remember exactly. But you get the idea.

[benning]

The article states

"He said researchers have noted an increase in lung cancer in nonsmoking women under age 51 and are trying to find the cause."

My good friend got lung cancer at 45 (non smoker). It's very difficult to catch at an early stage. She was stage 4 when diagnosed (metastasis to the brain) but is doing OK after almost 2 years.