Joan Lunden Opens Up About Her 2021 Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Joan Lunden's Lung Cancer Diagnosis

In 2021, beloved American journalist and TV host Joan Lunden revealed that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. At 70 years old, the former Good Morning America anchor shared the surprising news that she was facing this serious disease.

Joan Lunden's Iconic Broadcasting Career

Joan Lunden is best known for co-hosting Good Morning America from 1980 to 1997. She holds the record for the longest tenure on the popular morning show. Over the course of Lunden's time on Good Morning America, she covered major news events and interviewed presidents and first ladies.

Lunden has been a prominent figure in American broadcast journalism for over 40 years. In addition to her groundbreaking role on Good Morning America, she has hosted programs on Lifetime, A&E, PBS, and other major networks. She has written eight books, mostly focused on health and wellness.

Lung Cancer Diagnosis Shock

In June 2021, Lunden opened up publicly about her lung cancer diagnosis for the first time. She shared that doctors discovered a small tumor in her right lung. Further tests revealed that the cancer had also spread to her lymph nodes.

Lunden had gone for testing after experiencing persistent coughing. This is what initially led doctors to discover something concerning in her lungs. Lunden said the diagnosis shocked her, as she did not fit the profile of a typical lung cancer patient.

Most Lung Cancer Patients Are Smokers

Many lung cancer patients have a history of smoking cigarettes. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 80-90% of lung cancer cases occur in patients who smoke. However, Joan Lunden was never a smoker.

Lungen had a negative preconceived notion about lung cancer prior to her diagnosis. She thought that lung cancer was self-inflicted by smokers and therefore they were to blame. Her own diagnosis made her realize that anyone can develop lung cancer.

Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers

Although smoking significantly raises lung cancer risk, 10-20% of lung cancer patients have never smoked. Lung cancer in non-smokers can occur due to predisposed genetic factors, radon gas exposure, or environmental toxins.

Secondhand smoke may also be a culprit in some lung cancer cases among non-smokers. Joan Lunden believes she may have been exposed to dangerous secondhand smoke throughout her journalism career. When Lunden started working in the 1970s, smoking indoors was still commonplace.

Early Lung Cancer Symptoms are Subtle

One of the reasons lung cancer can be so deadly is that early symptoms manifest very subtly. People often dismiss early symptoms until cancer has spread throughout the body.

Joan Lunden first noticed she had a lingering cough. But rather than getting it checked out right away, Lunden said she “powered through” and ignored it until the cough persisted.

Finally, Lunden decided to undergo medical testing including an X-ray and PET scan. It was then doctors spotted an abnormality in her right lung. This led to the devastating lung cancer diagnosis.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two major types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type, making up about 80% of cases. Small cell lung cancer accounts for around 15% of diagnoses and is associated with smoking.

Within non-small cell lung cancer, there are subtypes of adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Joan Lunden shared publicly that she has adenocarcinoma, a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, in her right lung.

Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Lungen’s doctors put together an aggressive treatment plan including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She had intense cyberknife radiation to treat her affected right lung. Doctors also administered targeted therapy to destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy lasted six months. Lunden admitted to experiencing some very difficult side effects. But she had an optimistic mindset shift after her diagnosis. Instead of focusing on feeling sick from chemo, she focused on visualizing the treatment killing cancer cells.

Advocating to “Rebel With a Cause”

Ever the journalist, Joan Lunden has used her lung cancer journey to educate and encourage others. She co-produced a documentary film called “A Rebel With a Cause: The Joan Lunden Story” detailing her cancer fight.

Lunden has become an advocate to raise awareness and destigmatize lung cancer. She wants lung cancer patients to ask more questions of their doctors and seek multiple medical opinions. She stresses the importance of early detection to save lives.

The former newswoman also speaks out about the need for more research funding and treatment advancements for lung cancer. She points out that lung cancer takes more lives annually than breast, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancers combined.

Remaining Positive in Her Cancer Battle

Staying positive has been crucial in Joan Lunden’s lung cancer journey. She focuses daily on exercising, eating healthy foods full of cancer-fighting properties, and reducing stress through yoga and meditation.

Lunden also attributes her positivity to tremendous support from her children and family. Despite facing lung cancer, she feels she leads a blessed life. Lunden aims to continue using her media influence to raise awareness about lung cancer.

After over 40 years on American television screens, Joan Lunden remains a trusted voice. She does not view herself as a lung cancer victim, but rather a lung cancer survivor on a mission to make difference for others diagnosed with the disease.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.