Health: Mom almost skips scan and is diagnosed with lung cancer

A Nashville mother underwent a paid full‑body MRI that found a lung spot; follow-up testing led to a Stage 1B lung cancer diagnosis and prompt surgery. She has written a book and launched a foundation to support screening access and research.

Shira Boehler, a mother of four from Nashville raised in a family of doctors, almost skipped a preventive full‑body MRI last year. She and her husband paid about $2,000 for the scan as a baseline check. The imaging detected a spot on her lung; follow-up testing led to a Stage 1B lung cancer diagnosis and quick surgical treatment. She has since written a book and launched a foundation related to lung screening access and research. Key details: - The July MRI showed an approximately 1.5‑inch spot on her lung that she initially did not act on because she had no symptoms. - A diagnostic chest CT and follow-up appointment in September led to an October 1 Stage 1B diagnosis; the tumor was reported as contained and had not spread to lymph nodes. - She underwent surgery five days after diagnosis to remove part of the affected lobe, and the report describes a rapid treatment outcome. - Boehler wrote a forthcoming book titled One Scan Saved My Life, due April 28, and launched the foundation cancerdoesntcare with proceeds earmarked for screening access and research. Summary: Early detection through imaging led to identification of a contained lung tumor and prompt surgery. The article reports that Boehler is now focused on sharing her experience through a book and supporting broader access to lung screening and research. Broader reported causes of lung cancer include smoking, radon, secondhand smoke, pollution, workplace exposures, and some cases without a known cause.