But, where are the people with COPD and lung cancer? Where’s the compassion for the combat veteran who was given free cigarettes to stay awake in the foxhole? And, what about the missionary who had multiple pneumonias as a child and contracted tuberculosis on the other side of the world, leading to a cascade of lung destruction? And what about the grandma who, on her way to school as a child, walked past factories and their toxic gases? In the "big picture" of health awareness and screening are they as warmly embraced as the businessman with colon cancer or the soccer mom with breast cancer? They’re suffering too, more than anyone. Smoker or not, we’ve got to stop copping out by smugly saying "it’s all their fault." Let’s stop the blame game and get on with leveling the field when it comes to screening, awareness, and funding for research.
By the way, they found five polyps in me, and I am completely and utterly non-symptomatic. I’m so glad they have this protocol, and I’m fortunate to have health insurance that will cover part of the cost of the test. Next, I’ve got to get on the ball and schedule my mammogram that was due last month.
And so should you. Talk with your doc about screening for colon, breast, and prostrate cancer. It’s good for you to know about these things, and to do all you can do to stay healthy. But, while you’re at it, talk with your doc about screening for COPD and lung cancer. It would be good for you or someone you love take a few minutes to blow a loop for healthy lungs.
More on COPD:
Why Don't We Test for Lung Disease?
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