Dr. Sydney Barned had started her medical residency when she decided it was time to see a pulmonologist. The year before, she had pneumonia and thought her continued breathing issues might mean she was developing asthma – which runs in her family.

Her X-rays revealed a small abnormality, and a follow-up CT scan showed it was compressing Sydney’s airway. Soon, she was given a shocking diagnosis: Stage IV lung cancer.

Hear how her journey has affected her as an oncologist, and why she feels continued lung cancer research is of utmost importance.