Sharon’s Story
Growing up in the seventies, it seemed to Sharon like everyone smoked cigarettes. She was only 13 when she took her first puff. In no time, her casual smoking would turn into a full-blown and expensive addiction. She smoked heavily for 25 years.
In 1997, at just 37, Sharon noticed a large growth on her throat and was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer. She underwent radiation and several surgeries, and her larynx was removed. Today, at age 58, Sharon has been smoke-free for 14 years and speaks with the aid of an electrolarynx.
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Biography
Sharon’s Story
Sharon was diagnosed with throat cancer in her thirties. She talks about how she never thought smoking would lead to problems at such a young age in this video from CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers® campaign.
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Page last reviewed: March 27, 2018