- Leah Phillips was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer at 43, despite never smoking and being physically active.
- Initially misdiagnosed with pneumonia, her cancer had spread to her spine and pelvis by the time it was correctly identified.
- Phillips had a mutation in her EGFR gene, common in nonsmoking lung cancer patients, and believes radon exposure in Kentucky increased her risk.
- She underwent treatment with osimertinib, which reduced the size of her tumors, but her doctors believe she will eventually progress.
- Despite her grim outlook, Phillips encourages young people to advocate for themselves when dealing with medical professionals and not take no for an answer.
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Oncology, Pulmonary Medicine, Public Health & Prevention