Ayanay Ferguson, a 50-year-old clinical psychologist from Atlanta, discovered she had stage 3A non-small cell adenocarcinoma in her right lung after experiencing swollen ankles and shortness of breath post-vacation in April 2021. Despite not being a smoker, Ferguson underwent surgery and chemotherapy, successfully becoming cancer-free three years later. This experience highlights the importance of early detection in lung cancer, especially among Black Americans who face greater challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Research shows that racial disparities exist in lung cancer screening eligibility criteria, with Black patients being disproportionately excluded. Recent changes in screening guidelines have expanded eligibility, but more work is needed to address these disparities and improve outcomes for all individuals at risk of lung cancer.
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