I want people to know about radon so they can be protected from its dangers and lives can be saved.
My stepdad, Rod, was diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 57 and sadly passed away within two months of his diagnosis. That period was confusing for everyone since he had lived a very healthy life. I was diagnosed with lung cancer five years later, and that’s when I connected the dots – we had both lived in the same home!
After my surgery, my doctor inquired about my smoking history, to which I replied that I had never smoked. He also asked about exposure to chemicals, but the answer was a resounding no. Then, he brought up the question of whether I had grown up in a home with radon, a term I had never heard before. This inquiry marked the beginning of my journey.
Through Lung Saskatchewan, I received a test kit and brought it to my childhood home. The new owners kindly agreed to place the kit in the house, and the results indicated high radon levels. This revelation was a big red flag for me. The impact of cancer is immense, and any cancer survivor can attest to the far-reaching effects on one’s life, family, finances, emotions, and physical well-being. I continue to grapple with various physical woes, slowly healing. My husband and I have been profoundly affected as our plans have been disrupted and changed due to my diagnosis of lung cancer. I want people to know about radon so they can be protected from its dangers and lives can be saved.
HAVE YOU TESTED YOUR HOME?
Radon is a radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in the soil, water, and rock. You can’t see, taste, or smell radon. All homes have some level of radon, the only way to know the level in your home is to test. Now is the perfect time to test your home! Health Canada recommends that homeowners do a long-term radon test for at least three months during the fall or winter months.
Testing your home for radon is easy, inexpensive, and can save your life! Learn about radon and purchase your radon test today at HomeRadonTest.ca.
