During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Little Rock resident Susan Mueller‑Fritz told the story of her mother, Cindy, a German‑born nurse who fought lung cancer for five years before passing away on May 10, 2025. The personal recollection underscores the importance of early detection and nicotine‑free living for Arkansans.
Family memories and the fight against lung cancer
Cindy moved to Arkansas after meeting her husband and became known as a devoted mother, grandmother, runner, and swimmer. Mueller‑Fritz remembers her mother running while her children rode bicycles behind her, a vivid image of a vibrant family life.
A persistent cough led to scans that revealed lung cancer. Cindy endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, celebrating each milestone—such as ringing the treatment‑completion bell—with her family. When the disease returned, she chose to fight again, but after two more treatment cycles she told her loved ones she was too exhausted to continue. Mueller‑Fritz cared for her mother throughout, ensuring she had oxygen, medication, and proper nutrition.
Understanding the causes
Mueller‑Fritz does not know the exact cause of her mother’s illness, but she suspects a combination of smoking and exposure to fumes at her job at an auto auction. “The smoking, I believe, in kind with the environment, eventually took her life,” she said.
According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer. Ashley Clawson, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, notes that most adult smokers began using cigarettes in youth, and nicotine can make quitting difficult.
Risks for young people
Clawson warns that e‑cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches are popular among teens, exposing them to nicotine that can affect the developing brain and increase the likelihood of continued tobacco use. She emphasizes that early nicotine exposure raises the risk of future lung disease.
Call to action: quit nicotine and get screened
Mueller‑Fritz, who is currently trying to quit smoking herself, hopes her story will inspire others to avoid nicotine. “If I can give one word of advice, don’t do it. Don’t even look at that vape. Don’t go to the stores. Just keep on driving,” she urged.
In response to the awareness month, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will host free lung cancer screenings on November 14 in Little Rock and Bryant. The screenings run from 8 a.m. to noon and are open to adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have a smoking history of at least 20 pack‑years. Appointments are required.
How to schedule a screening
Residents can schedule an appointment by visiting the UAMS website or calling the dedicated screening line. Early detection can dramatically improve treatment outcomes, making these community‑based events a vital resource for Arkansans.
Mueller‑Fritz’s heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder that lung cancer can affect any family, but proactive steps—quitting nicotine and taking advantage of free screenings—can help protect future generations.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
