Non-smoker NYC woman who developed cancer in both lungs opens up about her battle with the deadly disease and how early detection can save lives

A woman in New York City opened up about her battle with lung cancer and what happened when it was diagnosed around 11 years ago. She also revealed how her cancer survival story inspired her to advocate for early detection. Colette Smith was diagnosed with cancer in both of her lungs despite being a non-smoker.

According to CBS News, troubles began eleven years ago for Smith, who said she started having health problems that no one could explain. She kept searching for answers before a CT scan revealed suspicious spots on both of her lungs. It was cancer. In a message that she wrote on a kindness tree inside the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center in Manhattan, Smith spoke about hope and unity.

"My thought was, I am going to die; my son is 9 years old," she said, as quoted by CBS News. "It started with an outpatient procedure here at Mt. Sinai," she said. "Low and behold, there were some buggers hanging out."

Smith was lucky, says Dr. Kaufman

Andrew Kaufman, a thoracic surgeon, vice chairman, and associate professor of thoracic surgery at Mt. Sinai, stated that Smith was lucky her cancer was caught early and doctors could operate. "The earlier that we find lung cancer, the higher the chance of a cure, and if we find it very early, it's at least 80-90% curable," Kaufman said, as quoted by CBS News.

Early detection of cancer matters

The Lung Cancer Foundation of America claims that fewer than 1 in 6 lung cancer patients are diagnosed at the earliest, most treatable stage, according to CBS News. The five-year survival rate is just 27%. When detected early, however, the rate could double.

According to doctors, new technology is changing the odds, detecting lung cancer earlier and giving patients a better chance at survival. Early detection played a major role in Smith’s journey, as her cancer is now considered cured because of her operation, made possible by early detection.

Smith launching grassroots initiative to spread awareness

Smith appears on podcasts to spread awareness about cancer. She is also launching a grassroots initiative called "Healing the Bronx," dedicated to improving health outcomes through education, art, and community love. "Lung cancer is not a death sentence. There's life after lung cancer," she said. Doctors say anyone of age 50 or older, or anyone with risk factors, should talk to their health care provider about getting a CT scan.