Peter Jennings loses lung cancer battle

The sad news of Peters death from lung cancer is another reminder how cruel and deadly this type of cancer really is. He and his doctors and family did all they could to defeat this disease but it was a losing battle. This cancer is so sneaky as it quietly works in the background to eventually strike us down. Doctors tell us only 15% survive. Its usually too late when finally discovered. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer amongst men and women in USA.

That is why so many medical professionals urge early detection. It is preventable if caught in time. I noticed today some facts concerning the funding of lung cancer. It receives less than many cancers that kill a lot less people. Why is that? Because so many of them were smokers?

There is one thing we can all do. Either don't start or else quit the toxic habit. Those of us that quit have never regretted it..! Peter smoked for many years and then quit. But started up again during the stress of 9/11. He even mentioned this as a ' weakness.' We understand.

Peters death from this may be very helpful to people struggling with this problem. ABC news says many people have mentioned they will now quit, in memory of a man they respected and valued. His death may save many lives if it does afford the inspiration so many people need to break this habit. And there may be many who will not even start. It is good this problem is front and center now.

There are so many statistics about smoking causing lung cancer, heart problems, etc. However, we also know that numbers may not suffice to give us the boost we need. But a highly esteemed man like Peter Jennings early death could make quite a difference with many who struggle with this sickly addiction.

Just think what a man of this stature could have done in the nationwide effort to defeat smoking. What a good influence he would have been in educating others to either quit, or not even start. We may not have the influence Peter would have but all of us working together to get the word out could make a difference. We might even ask our Senators why the CDC funding so low for lung cancer? Why is there so much more funding available for some cancers that don't kill like lung cancer does?

(PS: Since posting the above many reports cross my desk of the " Jennings Effect." Seems there are many smokers who NOW want to quit. And many that were going to start are backing off. In memory of Peter and his sad ending. Certain programs are receiving many calls from smokers asking for help to give it up. They don't want lung cancer. And, they don't want to die young like Peter did. Its kind of interesting to me hearing age 67 called young..!! That isn't the way most people used to think. :>)

People often ask why some who never smoked got lung cancer. I wondered this too after losing a friend that never smoked in her life. There is more and more research showing that second-hand smoke is almost as dangerous as actual smoking. Many non-smokers have had to endure the smoke of others. And what about children? I saw three adults smoking in a car with children as I walked past their parked van. Recent research confirms this is negligence on their part. Read my second-hand smoke post on this page. Also my 70 Quit Smoking Tips link.

There is also the problem of Radon. This is the second leading cause of lung cancer and has nothing to do with smoking. Its probably in your basement, if you have it. And how do you know you have it? Buy a Radon tester for $25 . You can't smell it. Can't see it. Can't taste it. Read about it in my Radon post on this page.

Check out these helpful lung cancer links:

http://www.americanlegacy.org/americanlegacy/skins/alf/home.aspx
(" Wouldn't it be great if someone told you HOW to stop smoking instead of just WHY? )

http://www.smokefree.gov/
http://www.lungcanceronline.org/
http://www.thetruth.com/index.cfm?seek=truth
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35427