In this episode, host Sylvie Legere sits down with Shira Kupperman Boehler and Dr. Kim Sandler to discuss the vital topic of early lung cancer detection. Having been diagnosed after a precautionary scan, non-smoker Shira shares her harrowing journey and advocates for change in diagnostic guidelines. Broadcasting from Wrigley Field emphasizes the importance of transforming how lung cancer is diagnosed, and how it is perceived by the medical community and public.

Their conversation dives into the shortcomings of current screening guidelines and the urgent need for change to save more lives, especially for those who don’t fall within the traditional risk categories. Through personal narratives and professional expertise, Dr. Sandler and Shira Kupperman Boehler share a holistic approach to detect lung cancer early by employing cutting-edge technologies and personalized medicine.

Act after listening:

1. Find out if you qualify for a free scan. If you're between 50–80 with a significant smoking history, you may be eligible for an annual low-dose CT scan — covered by Medicare and most private insurance. (Link in Resources below)

2. Ask your doctor even if you don't qualify. The current guidelines don't cover never-smokers — but that doesn't mean your risk is zero. At your next appointment, ask: "What is my personal lung cancer risk, and should I be screened?" Don't wait for symptoms.

3. Add your voice to change the guidelines. The screening criteria need to be expanded. Visit the Cancer Doesn't Care Foundation to learn how to advocate for policy change — and to share your own story if you have one.

4. Share this episode. The person who needs to hear this probably thinks they're fine. Send it to someone you love.

Guest Bios

Shira Kupperman Boehler is a finance professional and health advocate with degrees in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. A lifelong athlete and mother of four, she now channels her experience into raising awareness about early lung cancer detection and advancing conversations around prevention and policy. Shira and her family live in Tennessee, where she juggles life from her minivan with a coffee in one hand and a carpool schedule in the other.

Dr. Kim Lori Sandler - Kim is a Nashville native who completed her undergraduate education at Emory University and both medical school and residency at Vanderbilt University. She trained as a cardiothoracic radiologist and is currently a Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Kim is a clinician-scientist and serves as the Director of the Vanderbilt Lung Screening Program. She is a women’s health advocate who is working to leverage the success of screening for breast cancer to improve enrollment of women in lung screening. Her research also focuses on improving lung cancer risk prediction and early detection with the incorporation of machine learning and both imaging and blood-based biomarkers.

Resources & Links

Visit Shira Kupperman Boehler’s Website

Order Shira’s book ‘Cancer Doesn’t Care’ and learn more about Shira Boehler’s campaign to change the national lung screening guidelines

Take The American Lung Association's "Saved By The Scan" quiz

Take the Lung Cancer Basics & Screening Eligibility Quiz from LUNGevity