Novelist John Updike Latest Victim Of Lung Cancer

As Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn reports, novelist John Updike is the latest victim of lung cancer.

Every year, more than 160,000 people die of lung cancer. Smoking is the primary cause.

Paul Newman, Peter Jennings and now acclaimed novelist John Updike are all victims of the nation's number one cancer killer--lung cancer.

Updike, best known for writing "The Witches of Eastwick" and the "Rabbit" novels, died of lung cancer Tuesday at the age of 76.

"Eighty-five to 90% will get lung cancer as a result of smoking. There's also contributing causes from asbestos, radon and other causes," said Martin Edelman.

Dr. Martin Edelman of the University of Maryland Medical Center says 15% of lung cancer cases occur in people like actress Dana Reeve, who never smoked.

Although the fast-moving disease is curable when detected early, symptoms don't often present until the advanced stage, making it difficult to treat.

According to cancer experts, 85% of people who get lung cancer will die of the disease.

The best way to avoid the disease is to quit smoking and smoke-filled environments and have your home checked for radon.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)