CHRISTINE ELLIOTT
Dundurn, SK
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.
Your donation helps Lung Saskatchewan raise awareness
about the dangers of radon exposure and saves lives.
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 levels of radon. 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.
Lung Saskatchewan facilitates eight support groups, including a group for lung cancer patients and caregivers,
helping them during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
KERRI TUCKER
Saskatoon, SK
When I was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer, everyone was shocked! In the summer of 2019, I had pneumonia that wasn’t improving. I initially had an X-ray as part of the diagnostic process, but after a follow-up X-ray, the medical team expressed concerns that this might not be pneumonia. They recommended a CT scan, a PET scan, and a biopsy.
In October 2019, I was eventually diagnosed with lung cancer. I had no other risk factors that could have possibly led to the diagnosis since I had never smoked and hadn’t been exposed to any environmental factors known to cause lung cancer. It was at this point that they asked me if I had ever heard of radon.
Radon is a gas formed from the breakdown of uranium in the soil, and Saskatchewan has a lot of uranium, resulting in high levels of radon. Families are unknowingly exposed to this cancer-causing gas and are at risk of future lung cancer diagnosis. I want people to be aware that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Canada, and radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
I was very fortunate that my cancer was caught as early as it was. I had surgery to remove a lobe in my right lung, followed by chemotherapy. The worst phone call was when I found out I had to do chemotherapy. I thought the cancer had spread and I couldn’t promise my kids that I would be okay. When I completed my last chemotherapy, had the first follow-up scan, and then received the call that everything was clear, at that point, I was considered cancer-free. Telling my kids about it was amazing. I grabbed a whiteboard and created a hangman game that said, ‘Mama’s cancer-free.’ They figured it out quickly, and it was very exciting. Lung cancer from radon can be prevented, and no one should have to go through what I did.
Your donation makes a meaningful impact!
It helps prevent radon-induced cancer and promotes overall lung health in our province.
P.S. Thank you for reading Christine and Kerri’s stories. Please share these stories with your family and friends to help raise awareness about radon prevention. Thank you for your support.
HAVE YOU TESTED YOUR HOME?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is 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.
