CDC: Tips From Former Smokers - Sharon A.’s Diagnosed at 37 Story

Sharon started smoking at age 13. In her late 30s, she was diagnosed with throat cancer. She was a busy mom with two children. She made their lunches, took them to school, and was active in parent-teacher groups. In this video, Sharon talks about finding a lump in her neck and being told it was cancer. Doctors treated the tumor with chemotherapy and radiation, and tried to save her voice box. But when her symptoms returned a year later, her doctor said removing her voice box was the next step. Comments on this video are allowed in accordance with our comment policy: This video can also be viewed at