Indians have early onset of lung cancer compared to West

MARYLOU knew she was at high risk of lung cancer as she had been a heavy smoker for 45 years, beginning in her teens.

When she finally quit in 2007, the threat of the disease continued to prey on her mind. In 2014, when she got screened, doctors found a nodule on her left lung. However, they told her it was stage-1 lung cancer, not all early-stage lung cancers grow and spread, and that it is important to monitor the growth as one in six lung cancer survivors can develop second lung cancer, and balancing lung resection versus preservation by an expert is vital.

They continued to monitor the growth, recommending a scan once a year. By 2020, the nodule had grown, and Marylou decided to undergo surgery. Using a minimally invasive technique involving robotics, the doctors removed the nodule sparing as much of the lung tissue as possible. She recovered quickly and was discharged two days later. Doctors recommended that she continue to get screened regularly. Now she leads an active life, painting and editing books.