Center becomes first to offer early diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer [Video]

Lung cancer symptoms don’t show up until late stages. So, it is the number one cancer killer for men and women.

And in Louisiana, where nearly 20 percent of people smoke, there’s a higher rate of the illness.

Now, the Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the first places to offer a state-of-the-art early diagnosis, and treatment, combined.

Anne Eckert comes from a big family that likes to have fun. She’s Krewe of Tucks former royalty, but she also comes from a family of smokers.

“My parents smoked in the house growing up. I’m sure my mama smoked through all the pregnancies, in the car, at dinner, you name it,” remembers Anne Eckert, 62, of Pass Christian, formerly New Orleans.

So, she started smoking at age 14 but quit 15 years later with the help of an American Lung …