Lung Cancer Awareness Month: One Woman’s Story of Advocacy and Hope

In the United States, 20,000 to 40,000 people who have never smoked are diagnosed with lung cancer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute (HHRI) employee Renee Marrero’s journey with lung cancer has transformed her from a concerned family member to a passionate advocate working to raise awareness, particularly during November’s Lung Cancer Awareness month. Her story began when her sister, a non-smoker, was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in 2016, followed by their father’s own diagnosis.

Her dad insisted on Renee getting a scan following her sister’s diagnosis. However, since Renee was a nonsmoker, she was denied and refused a computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan is a medical imaging technique that uses X-ray techniques to create detailed images of the body and provide more detail than plain X-rays. Since she didn’t fit the traditional screening criteria, Renee persisted, advocating for a scan that ultimately detected her own early-stage lung cancer. This experience underscored for her the need for broader screening guidelines and sparked her dedication to improving lung cancer awareness and research.

Being the Principal Project Coordinator at the Department of Medicine with Hennepin Healthcare, she is determined to make a difference. Because of this, Renee became an active volunteer with A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation. The foundation’s mission—to raise awareness and advocate for lung cancer patients, especially non-smokers—resonated deeply with her.

Renee also joined efforts to encourage government funding for lung cancer research, participating in advocacy trips to Washington, D.C., where she met with lawmakers to advocate for increased support. Her visits to Capitol Hill alongside other advocates are aimed at closing this gap by lobbying for more research, improved early detection options, and accessible screenings for all.

“There’s a big funding gap for lung cancer compared to other cancers, even though it’s the leading cause of cancer deaths,” she explains.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., accounting for about one in five of all cancer deaths. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

Throughout her advocacy, Renee also joined genetic studies to advance understanding of hereditary links in lung cancer. She has shared her story at events, worked with research committees, and contributed to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) programs that prioritize patient perspectives in evaluating new treatments.

As recently as this year, Renee participated in the Investing Hereditary Risk in Thoracic Cancers (INHERIT) study. In this study, a professional comes to your home to draw your blood to help learn how lung cancer develops in people who may have increased genetic risk. By participating in these initiatives, Renee is helping to shed light on lung cancer risks beyond smoking and working to expand support and options for those affected.

During November’s Lung Cancer Awareness month, Renee hopes her story encourages others to learn about lung cancer risk factors, advocate for screenings, and support lung cancer research initiatives. Her goal is to inspire individuals to take proactive steps, to learn more about lung health and reduce the stigma surrounding this disease.

Renee’s message is clear: “Awareness is key to saving lives. With more advocacy and research, we can make lung cancer prevention and early detection a priority for everyone.”

Through her work, Renee honors her family and seeks to create a future where early detection is accessible, treatment options are advanced, and lung cancer awareness is strong year-round.