by New York City – A Bronx woman who never smoked is sharing her emotional journey after being diagnosed with cancer in both lungs — a discovery she once believed meant the end of her life.
Early Symptoms Lead to a Shocking Diagnosis
Colette Smith, 60, began experiencing unexplained health problems more than a decade ago, prompting her to push doctors for a deeper evaluation. After insisting on further testing, a CT scan finally revealed suspicious spots on both of her lungs, changing her life overnight.
“My thought was, I am going to die, my son is 9 years old,” Smith told CBS News.
In September 2015, she was diagnosed with stage 1A adenocarcinoma, despite never smoking a single day in her life — a fact that left doctors and Smith stunned.
A Life-Saving Early Catch
Thoracic surgeon Dr. Andrew Kaufman of Mount Sinai emphasized how fortunate Smith was that her cancer was detected when it was still operable.
“The earlier that we find lung cancer, the higher chance of cure,” Kaufman said. “If we find it very early, it’s at least 80–90% curable.”
Smith underwent immediate surgery following the diagnosis. Today, doctors consider her cured, though she still faces lingering symptoms like shortness of breath. She continues routine screenings to ensure her lungs remain healthy.
Why Non-Smokers Are Still at Risk
Smith’s story is part of a broader and growing medical concern: the rise of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. A study released earlier this year found that lung cancer is now the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide among lifelong non-smokers.
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Researchers pointed to air pollution as the biggest contributing factor, especially as global smoking rates decline. According to the World Health Organization, nearly the entire global population now lives in areas with air-quality levels below safe standards.
Turning Survival Into Advocacy
Now cancer-free for 11 years, Smith is using her experience to raise awareness during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. She hopes her journey will encourage others — especially non-smokers — to stay vigilant about their health and push for scans when symptoms don’t add up.
She is launching a grassroots initiative called Healing the Bronx, focused on improving community health and education, especially in neighborhoods disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards.
“Lung cancer is not a death sentence,” Smith said. “There’s life after lung cancer.”
The Importance of Early Detection
Smith credits her survival to consistent self-advocacy — insisting on tests, questioning symptoms, and refusing to be dismissed. Medical experts agree that early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against lung cancer.
Mount Sinai and other major health systems encourage individuals — even those who have never smoked — to discuss chronic symptoms with a physician and consider screenings if they have risk factors such as environmental exposure or a family history of lung disease.
A Message of Hope for Survivors and Families
Smith hopes her story inspires others to pay attention to their bodies and seek medical help without delay. Her mission now is to educate, empower, and uplift communities that lack access to adequate healthcare resources.
Residents of the Bronx and beyond are invited to follow updates on Smith’s work and take advantage of local health programs offering free or low-cost screenings.
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