What Andre Braugher's Story Can Help Us Understand About Lung Cancer

In the news

Andre Braugher, the Emmy-winning actor known for Homicide: Life on the Street and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, died in December 2023 at age 61. His publicist confirmed that he had died of lung cancer, and said he had been diagnosed only a few months earlier.

That is what was publicly shared. We remember him with respect and do not speculate about any private details of his diagnosis or care.

The reality

According to the National Cancer Institute, lung cancer includes two main types: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. NCI explains that smoking causes most lung cancers, but that people who have never smoked can also develop the disease.

The lungs are a pair of cone-shaped breathing organs in the chest that bring oxygen into the body and release carbon dioxide. Lung cancer forms when malignant cells develop in the tissues of the lung, and it can also form in the bronchi, the tubes that lead from the windpipe to the lungs. NCI notes that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, which is one reason awareness and, for eligible people, screening matter.

What the story gets right — and what to remember

Mr. Braugher's diagnosis came only months before his death, a reminder that lung cancer sometimes causes few clear symptoms until it is advanced. His story underscores that this is a serious disease, while also reminding us that every person's situation is different. A public figure's experience is not a prediction or medical advice for anyone else.

Awareness, screening & prevention

NCI notes that tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer, causing about 9 out of 10 cases in men and about 8 out of 10 in women, and that the best way to prevent lung cancer is not to smoke. NCI also explains that screening with low-dose CT scans has been shown to lower the risk of dying from lung cancer in people who have smoked heavily — while chest x-rays and sputum tests have not. Screening is generally aimed at a specific group based on age and smoking history. You can learn whether lung cancer screening may apply to you, get a broader picture with our free screening check-up tool, and find support for quitting smoking.

Turning a story into something useful

Remembering someone through learning is a gentle way to honor their story. Understanding what lung cancer is, knowing that screening exists for some people, and recognizing that support is part of care are calm, useful takeaways. Supporting free, trustworthy cancer education helps make that information available to others.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• Based on my age and smoking history, am I eligible for lung cancer screening?
• Which type of lung cancer is being discussed, and what does its stage mean?
• If I smoke, what support is available to help me quit?
• What emotional and practical support is available for me and my family?