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Annette S.’s Story						Español (Spanish)							Print
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										AnnetteMeet Annette S.Annette experimented with cigarettes as a teenager, smoking occasionally. But by the time she turned 20, Annette was smoking regularly.
When she was 50 years old, Annette heeded her granddaughter’s advice and quit cold turkey after having smoked for more than 30 years. But by then she already had cancer. At age 52, Annette went to the doctor because she was having difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with lung cancer so advanced it was necessary to remove one of her lungs. A few years later, she was diagnosed with oral cancer and surgery was again required. Today, at age 57, Annette is smokefree and cancer-free.On This Page
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Annette experimented with cigarettes as a teenager, smoking occasionally. But by the time she turned 20, Annette was smoking regularly.
Annette lives in New York and is the mother of three. She also has three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. “I love visits with my family,” says Annette. She has a special bond with her 10-year-old granddaughter, who repeatedly urged Annette to quit smoking. “My granddaughter would say to me, ‘Grandma, don’t smoke; please don’t smoke.’”
Annette
When she was 50, Annette finally heeded her granddaughter’s advice and quit cold turkey after having smoked for more than 30 years. But by then she already had cancer. At 52, Annette went to the doctor because she was having difficulty breathing. “It took multiple doctor visits, all kinds of X-rays, and then a PET/CT scan to uncover lung cancer.” The cancer was so advanced that it was necessary to remove one of her lungs. The operation was successful in removing the cancer.
Diligent with her follow-up care, doctors found that Annette had oral cancer a few years later. The cancer had gotten into her jawbone, and surgery was required once again.
Today, at age 57, Annette is cancer-free — and thankful. Her staunch faith helps her deal with the challenges that have resulted from her experience. She loves to crochet, cook, and spend time with her loved ones. She also lends support to smoking cessation groups. “I talk to people who smoke and let them know that this can happen to you.”
Through the *Tips From Former Smokers* campaign, Annette wants to help others and further spread the message that smoking is dangerous and can even be lethal.On This Page
			Annette S.'s BiographyMore About Annette S.Additional ResourcesMore Related Stories
		
Free Quitting ResourcesTelephone
1-800-QUIT-NOW
1-855-DÉJELO-YA (Español)
1-800-838-8917 (中文)
1-800-556-5564 (한국어)
1-800-778-8440 (Tiếng Việt)Smartphone Apps/Text
Text QUITNOW to 333888—Message and data rates may apply
quitSTART appexternal iconWeb
Quit Smoking (En Español)
Smokefree.govexternal icon (En Español)
Asian Smokers’ Quitlineexternal iconTop of Page


More About Annette S.Annette's Print Ad EnglishPrint AdAnnette S.'s Tip [PDF - 272KB]Top of PageAdditional ResourcesCancer patient at the hospitalCancerGet the FactsTop of PageMore Related Stories
More Real Stories about cancer:BrianMeet Brian H.ChristineMeet Christine B.Elizabeth B.Meet Elizabeth B.JuliaMeet Julia C.Mark A.Meet Mark A.Rose H.Meet Rose H.Shane T.Meet Shane T.Sharon A.Meet Sharon A.Shawn W.Meet Shawn W.TerrieMeet Terrie H.See all *Tips*Participant StoriesTop of Page
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  July 19, 2023						Source: 	Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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