Let's focus on research and innovation. Not stigma.

My name is Polly Gaitani.  My story with lung cancer started in April 2020, when I was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma. 

This means there is not much life ahead of you.

My first thought aside from the initial shock was that the world shattered around me. I felt squashed. Then, I told myself that I want to live and that I’m going to do everything in my power to make it happen. I have never been a smoker. I am here to testify that although people have an attitude towards smokers and lung cancer, that is not always the case. There is  prejudice, there is ignorance about it, and all I have to say is that you don’t have to be a smoker to get lung cancer.

Cancer to me is about being persistent, keeping up to date with new treatments and doing targeted and thorough testing.

I want to say that I love life very much and I want to enjoy my every day.I have a wonderful family and many wonderful friends and we continue to have fun and hope for the best.

You don’t have to be a smoker to get lung cancer. I have never been a smoker and I think there is prejudice and ignorance around it.

I also want to stress the importance of prompt molecular testing after the initial diagnosis, so that patients can get the best treatment as soon as possible.

Biomarkers help doctors determine the best treatment  for each patient, as in my case.

Each cancer can be different, each cancer is unique. Let’s focus on scientific developments, on innovative treatments. Not on stigma.