The Wojcicki sisters, Anne and Janet, are spearheading a poignant campaign focused on lung cancer awareness following the untimely passing of their sister, Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube. Susan, who was only 56 years old when she succumbed to stage 4 lung cancer, left behind not just memories but also a compelling message about the need for more attention and funding for lung cancer research and early detection.
After Susan's diagnosis, which was unexpected considering she had never smoked, the sisters reflected deeply on the seeming lack of public focus and research funding surrounding lung cancer, especially when compared to other cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., claiming more lives than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. This stark statistic raises the question: why is it still so overlooked?
During their interviews and appearances, including one on CBS Mornings, Anne Wojcicki, who is also the CEO of 23andMe, expressed the urgency of advocating for the early screening and detection of lung cancer. "We used to joke sometimes, she was CEO of YouTube then she became CEO of her cancer," Anne recounted, reflecting on the massive shift Susan's diagnosis brought to her life.
Initially, Susan kept her diagnosis private, grappling with the shock of learning she had terminal cancer, which left her sisters wondering how the medical community had missed the signs. Janet, who works as a professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco, noted the peculiarity of Susan's circumstances. "You think you have lung cancer, shouldn’t your doctor be able to listen to your lungs?" she mused. This realization highlighted the need for greater awareness and education surrounding lung cancer's manifestation and diagnosis.
Before her diagnosis, Susan had been actively involved in supporting cancer research, and she ramped up these efforts once she began her battle with lung cancer. She and her husband contributed millions to help fund research aimed at enhancing early detection methods and finding new treatment options, particularly immunotherapy modalities. Inspired by Susan’s commitment, both Anne and Janet continue this tireless fight. "How is it we can fund early detection work?" Anne asked. "How is it we can fund some of the treatment options?"
The sisters have established initiatives to help fund research aimed at lung cancer early detection, reflecting their belief in the potential transformation this could mean for those facing similar diagnoses. The stark truth is when lung cancer is discovered, it’s often much too late. Alarmingly, 40% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at stage four, indicating widespread metastasis.
Over the summer, following Susan’s death, Anne and over twenty organizations teamed up to launch a groundbreaking genetics study on lung cancer, aimed at enrolling over 10,000 participants by its conclusion. Janet has emphasized how technological advancements could pave the way for groundbreaking lung cancer screening similar to what has been achieved with breast and colon health screenings. "You think about all the lives saved by mammograms and colonoscopies. Why aren’t we making lung cancer screening a priority?" she stated, echoing the sisters’ unified call for action.
Susan's blog post, shared posthumously by YouTube, encapsulated her vision for the future: to enjoy life and fight for more comprehensive cancer research and awareness. She stated, "My goals going forward are to enjoy the present as much as possible and fight for greater knowledge and cures for this disease." This sentiment aligns perfectly with the mission her sisters are now embracing, ensuring her legacy carries the fight for lung cancer awareness.
The Wojcicki sisters are determined to turn their grief and determination toward generating awareness about the grave risks posed by lung cancer and the necessity for enhanced research funding. Their efforts are not just aimed at remembering Susan but at instigatively changing how society views and addresses this disease. Through their unwavering commitment and Susan's legacy, they hope to save lives and improve the fate of future lung cancer patients.
All these initiatives come at a time when lung cancer awareness is slightly overshadowed by other forms of cancer, and the Wojcicki sisters are leading the charge to bring lung cancer back to the forefront of public health discussions. Their mission highlights the tragic reality many face, awakening nations to the importance of early detection and informed advocacy. Though their path forward is marked by personal loss, their campaign is rooted firmly in hope and tenacity, aiming to enlighten and empower others battling cancer across the globe.
