• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • COVID-19
  • Find A Doctor
  • Subscribe
Home / Health Conditions / Lung Cancer / Lock Up Lung Cancer: Survivor Shares Journey & Victory Over Number One Cancer Killer

Lock Up Lung Cancer: Survivor Shares Journey & Victory Over Number One Cancer Killer

It was almost four years ago when LUNG FORCE Hero, Colette Smith, went to the ER after experiencing consistent palpitations. Initially thinking that it would be blood clots in her lungs, the doctors instead, found a nodule and deemed it necessary to complete several tests to determine the issue. With each test coming back inconclusive, Smith underwent surgery and It was only after Smith woke up from the surgery that she learned her left lung had been removed and she was diagnosed with Stage 1a lung cancer.

“I was relieved [after diagnosis] because it was the waiting and the testing, and the doctor’s office visits and coming in for the results, that was exhausting and very stressful,” said Smith. “I was relieved to know what it was, what we were doing and what we had done to remedy the situation and relieved that I would now be able to move on.”

Smith, who is a non-smoker, lives in a smoke-free environment and comes from a family that has no prior history with cancer, credits her triumph over cancer to getting screened early. To help heal from the process, Smith attempted to join support groups, however, she ultimately attributes a large part of her healing to finding a pain medicine specialist and cardiologist, doing physical therapy, resting and seeking therapy.

“The [chat] support groups [that I participated in], had people there who were at later stages, so I felt more like an outcast and because the conversations were so hard, often times I would just not participate, but would read what others were experiencing,” said Smith. “So, I found a therapist who helped me put things into perspective and that was a huge part of my healing.” Additionally, Smith continues to eat healthily, walk and engage in what she refers to as “healthy distractions,” including meditation.

You May Also Like
9 Foods You Should Never Eat after Age 30

However, having previously went through a similar process due to her husband being diagnosed with cancer back in September 2014 and undergoing his surgery the following month, Smith’s says her greatest “healthy distraction” is being an advocate for herself and her community by speaking out against the number one cancer killer and spreading awareness to others, especially in her residence of the Bronx. Currently, the Bronx has an issue with the air as its’ ozone grade is ranked as one of the lowest cities in New York, making the air too unhealthy for its residents to breathe and ultimately putting people at risk with their health. As a key medical officer at her local metro plaza in the Bronx, Smith helps anyone with a troubling diagnosis who seeks advice and is able to offer solutions based off her experience. “It’s important to have a healthy, positive outlook,” said Smith. “With a healthy and positive outlook, you can beat almost anything.”

Unfortunately, lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer among women with the rate of women dying from this disease increasing by 79% in the last 40 years. In addition, every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told that she has lung cancer and only 18 percent of lung cancer cases among women are diagnosed early when the disease is most curable.

Although Lung Cancer Awareness Month is highlighted during the month of November, it’s important to help continue to push this deadly issue to the forefront. To do so, the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative launched a new campaign, ‘Lock Up Lung Cancer,’ exposing lung cancer as the deadliest cancer by tapping into the popular “true crime” genre. The campaign includes a video series featuring survivors of lung cancer, that will be available online at LockUpLungCancer.org and within online streaming networks such as Lifetime, TNT, A&E and ID, as well as teaming up with podcast hosts from “My Favorite Murder,” “Criminal” and “Crime Junkie.”

No one is safe from lung cancer. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 70,000 American women will lose their lives to lung cancer this year, so don’t hesitate to check with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions. “The doctors are your employees; they work for you and you are the boss of your body, so if something doesn’t feel right…leave, network [and find better care].” said Smith. “It’s okay to be afraid, however, don’t ever have your fears paralyze you in terms of getting the medical care that you deserve.”
To find out more information regarding lunch cancer, be sure to stay informed by visiting lung.org.

You May Also Like
The Most Common STD You've Never Heard Of

Shawna Davis is a wellness journalist and the founder and creator of the wellness lifestyle blog, Froing and Flowing. Beyond the blog, she is a certified yoga instructor, wife, dog mama and is a natural hair enthusiast that’s passionate about health, wellness, and natural beauty. You can follow her on Instagram @itsshawnadavis.

December 13, 2018 by Shawna Davis

Shawna Davis

Shawna Davis is a wellness journalist and the founder and creator of the wellness lifestyle blog, Froing and Flowing. Beyond the blog, she is a certified yoga instructor, wife, dog mama and is a natural hair enthusiast that’s passionate about health, wellness, and natural beauty. You can follow her on Instagram @itsshawnadavis.

 

Read Next Article

The Latest In Lung Cancer

Black History of Health: Nat King Cole

Nat "King" Cole was indeed a royal figure in American popular music during the golden age of jazz. The classic jazz pianist, composer, and singer had the world at his fingertips from earning notoriety for his smooth, silky voice. He read more about Black History of Health: Nat King Cole

Former 90’s Child Star Dies at 44 of Cancer

"Saved by the Bell" star Dustin Diamond, best known for playing Screech on the hit '90s sitcom, died Monday after a three-week fight in the hospital, according to his representatives. He was 44. Since the show, Diamond has appeared on read more about Former 90’s Child Star Dies at 44 of Cancer
African American doctor talking to male patient in hospital

Cancer Rate Is On The Decline, For Most–Here’s What We Know

This story originally appeared on CNN.com on Tuesday, January 8, 2018 (CNN)The rate of people dying from cancer in the United States seems to have dropped steadily for 25 years, a new study says, but disparities remain between the rich read more about Cancer Rate Is On The Decline, For Most–Here’s What We Know
Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah & ALA Celebrity Event To Close The Health Disparity Gap

All hail Queen Latifah on her collaboration with the American Lung Association (ALA) to bring awareness to lung disease and the health disparities plaguing Black Americans. On Saturday, September 26 @ 12 p.m. EST, Queen Latifah will host the first-ever read more about Queen Latifah & ALA Celebrity Event To Close The Health Disparity Gap

App Helps Smokers Overcome Top 3 Barriers To Quitting

Although cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, one of every five adults still smokes. What’s even more striking is that a recent survey reveals only 36 percent of current smokers have read more about App Helps Smokers Overcome Top 3 Barriers To Quitting

7 Lipsticks That Contain The Most Lead

Women endure a lot of things in the name of beauty: Long and sometimes painful beauty shop appointments, "cute" heels that hurt your feet, and now lipstick, which is supposed to enhance your beauty, could be slowly hurting you. Watchdog read more about 7 Lipsticks That Contain The Most Lead

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • 7 Bad Sleep Habits That Cause Weight Gain7 Bad Sleep Habits That Cause Weight Gain
  • Home Remedies For Your Dry SkinHome Remedies For Your Dry Skin
  • Pooch Hall: Family Over EverythingPooch Hall: Family Over Everything
  • ‘Madea’ Actress Natalie Desselle-Reed Dies at 53'Madea' Actress Natalie Desselle-Reed Dies at 53
  • The ONE Time You Shouldn’t Drink Lemon WaterThe ONE Time You Shouldn't Drink Lemon Water

Podcast

Diabetes prevention and management podcast

Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Lenore Coleman, a Pharmacist and Founder of Healing Our Village, as they offer you the tools you need to prevent and manage diabetes.

Listen Now

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2021, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.