Doctors say lung cancer patients can often keep working
04/07/05
UNDATED One expert says Peter Jennings could be an inspiration to many by staying on the job while battling lung cancer.
Doctor David Johnson of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine says Jennings' decision to keep working "sets the right example."
The A-B-C News anchor is to begin chemotherapy next week. He says he plans to continue appearing on "World News Tonight" as much as possible.
Doctors say most lung cancer patients can continue to work throughout treatment, but need flexibility to take it easy on days they're not feeling well.
In an e-mail to colleagues, Jennings says he expects "good days and bad" -- meaning, "some days I may be cranky and some days really cranky."
A-B-C News President David Westin says Jennings can expect "every bit of support that he needs and asks for."
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the United States.
One expert says roughly four out of five people diagnosed with the disease die within five years. It's often not diagnosed until an advanced stage.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A
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