Our nation's Veterans are on the front lines of a new fight: advocating for lung cancer screening and powering the next wave of research using blood tests to screen for lung cancer.

Air Force and Navy Veteran Donnita Butler shares how a simple low-dose CT scan saved her life after she advocated for screening despite initial pushback. Alongside Dr. Drew Moghanaki, a leading expert in Veterans' lung cancer care, they reveal how today's VA screening programs are catching cancer early when it's most curable—and how thousands of Veterans are donating blood to help develop tomorrow's breakthrough detection methods.

Key Topics Discussed:

Featured Guests:

Donnita Butler: Air Force and Navy Veteran diagnosed with stage 1A lung cancer through screening, now thriving at 70

Dr. Drew Moghanaki: Veterans Health Administration lung cancer specialist leading screening initiatives and biomarker research

Key Takeaway:

Lung cancer is curable if caught early. If you're a Veteran over 50 with a smoking history, talk to your doctor about screening today. As Dr. Moghanaki says: "Leave no one behind."

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Veteran Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

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Small cell lung cancer was once considered one of the most challenging diagnoses in oncology. But today, groundbreaking treatments are transforming patient outcomes and rewriting survival stories. Discover how immunotherapy, T-cell engagers, CAR T-cell therapy, and antibody drug conjugates are moving from clinical trials to standard care, offering patients years of disease control and genuine hope for the future. Featuring insights from Dr. Jacob Sands, thoracic oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and inspiring patient advocate Wendy Brooks, who shares her powerful journey from early detection through cutting-edge clinical trials, proving that advocacy and hope can change everything.

Guests:

Dr. Jacob Sands, Oncologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

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Early detection of lung cancer can save lives. In this essential episode, two-time survivor and LCFA co-founder David Sturges shares how screening helped him beat lung cancer—twice. Joined by Dr. Denise Aberle and LCFA-funded researcher Dr. Kellie Smith, this episode dives into why lung cancer is often diagnosed late, what new screening methods can do to change that, and what the future of early treatment might look like.

David Sturges, Lung Cancer Survivor & LCFA Co-founder 

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Shining a light on the caregiving journey for lung cancer patients, Dr. Allison Applebaum, founder of the Caregiver’s Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and caregiver Gail Fackler, along with her husband, Jim, speak candidly about the mental health challenges caregivers face, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The conversation covers the overwhelming realities of caregiving, from managing medical decisions to coping with guilt and loss of identity.

Gail and Jim share raw, honest stories about how caregiving has transformed their lives and relationships. Practical strategies for caregivers—such as task management, setting boundaries, and finding support networks—offer hope and guidance. Learn more about the  critical importance of mental health support for caregivers and the power of community in navigating this journey.

Guests

Dr. Allison Applebaum, Founding Director, Caregiver’s Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Gail and Jim Fackler, Lung Cancer Caregivers and Patient

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In this special re-release of Hope With Answers, lung cancer advocate Jill Feldman tackles a challenge that most patients never see coming—stigma. Originally aired in January 2020, this candid and emotional episode sheds light on the damaging assumptions patients face and how words can wound, even when well-intentioned.

From doctors and friends to complete strangers, the first question many patients hear is: “Did you smoke?” It's a question that implies blame—and lung cancer survivors like Jill Feldman have heard it far too often. In this episode, Jill teams up with journalist Steven Petrow to unpack the emotional toll of these encounters and offer advice on how to respond with grace and strength.

You'll also hear from Dr. Alice Berger, a lung cancer researcher investigating why young, non-smoking women are increasingly being diagnosed with lung cancer. Her work helps shift public perception and challenges outdated assumptions about who gets lung cancer—and why.

This episode explores:

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this episode will change the way you think—and talk—about lung cancer.

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Originally aired in May 2020, this final episode of The First 7 Days podcast series provides newly diagnosed lung cancer patients with crucial guidance on developing a personalized treatment plan. Building on the foundations established in previous episodes about finding the right medical team and understanding diagnostic testing, this concluding installment helps transform overwhelming information into actionable steps forward.

The landscape of lung cancer treatment has evolved dramatically, extending far beyond traditional chemotherapy. This episode navigates the expanding array of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination approaches. Listeners will learn how biomarker testing influences treatment selection and understand the potential role of clinical trials in their care plan.

While focused on the initial weeks after diagnosis, this episode sets the stage for long-term cancer management by providing practical tools and resources for ongoing decision-making.

Gain confidence in working collaboratively with your healthcare team while advocating for your needs throughout the treatment journey.

Dr. David Carbone, Oncologist at The Ohio State University

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A lung cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but getting a second opinion could be a game-changer in your treatment journey. In this episode of the Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast, thoracic oncologist Dr. David Carbone, along with lung cancer survivors and advocates, discusses why seeking a second opinion—especially from a specialist at a university-based center—can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

Lung cancer advocates share their personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and finding a doctor who values additional insights. A second opinion isn’t about doubting your doctor—it’s about ensuring you have all the information needed to make the best decision for your health.

Tune in to learn why a second opinion could open new doors in your lung cancer treatment plan.

The First 7 Steps downloadable

Transcript | Show Notes

Just diagnosed with lung cancer? In this essential episode, thoracic oncologist Dr. David Carbone and lung cancer survivors share why you have time to breathe, gather information, and make informed decisions about your treatment journey.

Transcript | Show Notes 

Originally released in May 2020 as part of The First 7 Days series, this timeless episode of the Hope with Answers Living with Lung Cancer Podcast remains an essential resource for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis. While treatment options continue to advance rapidly, the fundamental guidance shared in "The First 7 Days" about taking time to gather information, seeking appropriate testing, and finding the right medical team is as crucial today as it was when first aired. 

As we wrap up 2024, LCFA's Hope With Answers host Mitch Jelniker presents our most downloaded episode of the year, featuring a transformative conversation about palliative care in the lung cancer journey.

Dr. Sherri Cervantez, Director of Palliative Oncology at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, joins lung cancer survivor Sally Cain for an enlightening discussion that changed how thousands view palliative care. Sally shares her unique perspective as both a Stage 4 lung cancer patient benefiting from palliative care and as someone who witnessed her late husband's journey without these vital services.

Key Highlights from Our Most Popular 2024 Episode

This standout episode resonated deeply with our audience by addressing a critical yet often overlooked component of comprehensive lung cancer care. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this discussion offers valuable insights into maximizing quality of life during treatment.

As LCFA prepares for an exciting 2025, we invite you to revisit this impactful conversation that continues to help patients and families better understand how palliative care can be a powerful ally in their lung cancer journey.

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Originally Published on: 2024-05-23

Resources:

Understanding Palliative Care

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative Care & Lung Cancer

In this foundational episode released in December 2019, lung cancer survivor Lysa Buonanno shares critical insights about navigating a lung cancer diagnosis. Her journey, which began at age 40 with persistent back pain, highlights the importance of comprehensive testing and informed decision-making in lung cancer treatment.

Today, more than 12 years after her initial diagnosis, Lysa continues to live with lung cancer. Her story, along with the expert perspectives from Dr. Carbone and Kim Norris, illustrates both the challenges of living with lung cancer and the hope offered by advancing research and treatment options. This episode remains relevant today, offering essential guidance for patients and families while highlighting LCFA's vital role in supporting research for new treatment options.

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