In her final report to STAT, scientific writer Sharon Begley examined the growing incidence of lung cancer in people who never smoked.
Although she never mentioned it directly in the article, it was a story she was living in, having been diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2020. Begley died on January 16, just five days after finishing his article and presenting it to the editor.
In its final report, which was published Tuesday by STAT, Begley explains to readers that, although smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, an increasing proportion of people who develop the disease “never smoked.”
A doctor told the senior science writer who is “well documented” that about 20% of lung cancer cases that occur in women in the United States – and 9% in men – are diagnosed in people who have never smoked.
“Worldwide, 15% of male lung cancer patients have never smoked,” wrote Begley. “But half of the women with lung cancer have never smoked. And women who have never smoked are twice as likely to develop lung cancer as men who have never put a cigarette in their mouth. ”
Given the increase in incidents, experts told the reporter that the criteria for screening for lung cancer need to be reassessed and more investment is needed to study the disease in people who have never smoked.
Since the publication of the story, those who met Begley have praised the acclaimed science writer for sharing her keen insights, even after her death.
The article was “a last gift from the noted and beloved” writer, co-founder and executive editor of STAT, Rick Berke wrote on Twitter.
In 2015, when Berke was looking for the best science journalists to work for the fledgling start-up publication, Begley’s name was supposed to be on everyone’s list of recommended hires. (Boston.com and STAT are part of the Boston Globe Media Partners.)
It is with deep sadness that I share that my mother, Sharon, passed away earlier today, January 16, in Boston, due to complications of lung cancer.
Please comment with your own thoughts, memories or stories about Sharon. pic.twitter.com/fIGW2FRuET
– sharon begley (@sxbegle) January 17, 2021
Reacting to his death, former and current colleagues spoke with love and admiration for the 64-year-old, whose winning career lasted 43 years.
“When I was starting out as a science journalist, and perhaps just as important as a science journalist in what was then a male-dominated profession, she was an incredible inspiration for me and my colleagues … she was so good, such a thoughtful reporter, someone who could do a serious investigation without ever forgetting that the people in the story are important, ”Deborah Blum, director of the Knight Program for Scientific Journalism at MIT, told STAT for Begley’s Obituary earlier this month.
And thanks to many of her friends, family and colleagues, who shared so many incredible memories of her in such a difficult time. https://t.co/COhFcpFvbJ
– Eric Boodman (@EricBoodman) January 18, 2021
Begley her career started in Newsweek in 1977, working on several excerpts in the publication over the years as a science editor and columnist. She also worked as a science columnist at Wall Street Newspaper and as a senior health and science correspondent for Reuters. She wrote four books, two in co-authorship and two in solo writing.
She leaves behind her husband, Ned Groth, their two children and their sister.
About his latest article, Groth wrote a note to Berke, which was shared with Boston.com, that although he didn’t read the story before she passed away, he knew how much work she put into it, even when her own health failed.
“From my listening post in the living room, she was still the same sharp reporter and writer as ever, although her energy and ability to concentrate was waning,” wrote Groth. “She struggled to finish and was very happy when she came in with you. I hope, in your judgment, that it will be good enough to publish in its current state or with its essential edition. Sharon probably wouldn’t have settled for “good enough”, but it’s out of Sharon’s hands right now. In view of the matter, I hope you will share my opinion that, if this is the last thing she published, it would be very appropriate. “
In a statement to Boston.com, Berke shared that “literally millions of people” read Begley’s final story.
“Sharon touched many people with her journalism, and even in her last days she was at the height of her game,” he said.
Read her latest story on here.