TAMPA, Florida – The recent announcement by comedian Kathy Griffin that she was diagnosed with lung cancer surprised many people, mostly because she says she never smoked.
And she is not alone.
A surgeon at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa is now studying an increase in lung cancer patients who never go on.
What you need to know
- Comedian Kathy Griffin, 60, says she was diagnosed with lung cancer despite not smoking
- Moffitt Cancer Center now conducts study on increase in lung cancer cases in non-smokers
- Dr. Lary Robinson, who leads the study, says she sees a new patient with lung cancer every two weeks
Dr. Lary Robinson sees it first hand, especially in women.
“Over the years it has become obvious that there are a number of women and men who never smoke and who grow up with lung cancer,” she told Spectrum News. “I see them all the time. In fact, I’ll probably see one every two weeks. “
Robinson has just started an observational study to try to learn more. He will work with lung cancer patients at Moffitt to find out why non-smoking cases are on the rise.
He said one of the reasons seems to be the American diet and high amounts of saturated fats, among other lifestyle factors.
“Diet is a big issue,” Dr. Robinson said. “Diet is a huge problem with many cancers and their risk is increased because it is part of the lifestyle. It’s probably not a genetic change we’ve seen. It’s a lifestyle change that we’ve seen in everything. “
Robinson says 235,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year: 116,000 will be women.
He says that in most cases, it is very difficult to detect, especially because non-smokers are not usually screened until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
“It’s a shame this happens,” Dr. Robinson said. “That was rare 20-30 years ago.”
In Griffin’s case, her cancer was detected in stage 1, according to her posting on social media. A part of his left lung was removed and he is now recovering.
Hmmmm. How can I make a positive turn in this? Let’s go with “well, I’m not lucky to be in such an exclusive club”
Is there any other half lung out there?
Be proud, DAMMIT! https://t.co/Cai1Kpzh75– Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 20, 2021
“She is one of those who found her soon and has many chances of healing, which is good for her. Unfortunately, most do not have early-stage disease when it is found, ”Robinson said.
Dr. Robinson hopes his study will begin giving more answers to lung cancer patients everywhere.