Local man shares lung cancer story, encourages screenings

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — November is lung cancer awareness month and John Anderson III is taking the opportunity to share his story.

Anderson first went to his doctors office after hurting his shoulder. He ended up leaving with a diagnoses of an aggressive form of lung cancer. He got his left lung removed and began treatment.

"I was considered low risk," said Anderson. "If it hadn't been for my shoulder, I probably would not be standing before you right now, because I just thought I had a chest cold. "

Doctors later found amass on his right lung as well. Luckily, with the proper treatment, Anderson was able to be considered cancer free. Now, he uses his story to encourage others to get screened for cancer.

"Don't be afraid, it's painless to get searched," said Anderson. " It's also painless if you're diagnosed. You have so many options. Please don't be afraid. That's the main thing that people worry about. They just think it's the end of the world when you hear that C word."

Lung cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The screening risk for those considered high risk is only 5.6%. This number is lower for men of color.

"If you had a smoking issue or you're a current smoker, you're above age 50, then you're definitely considered higher risk and likely qualified for lung cancer screening," said Kristina Hamilton, the Illinois Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association." There are several other exposures that are considered risks for lung cancer, like asbestos exposure, occupational radon, family history and genetics."

Hamilton said there's over 565,000 people in Illinois that are eligible for lung cancer screenings.