Cancer Matters

Ep. 48 ASU / My Path to Quit Tobacco

Today's episode explores a smoking cessation program that’s turning statistics into second chances. Welcome Dr. Stephanie Carpenter and Chris Bien-nee

Lung Cancer Statistics:

In 2026, lung cancer is projected to have 229,410 new cases and 124,990 deaths in the United States, with an overall 5-year survival rate of 27–28%.

Incidence and Mortality

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with 229,410 new cases expected in 2026 and 124,990 deaths projected, according to the American Cancer Society’s 2026 report (Cancer Facts & Figures 2026)

Stephanie Marita Carpenter, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. A social and health psychologist by training, she received a joint Ph.D. in Psychology and Business Administration from the University of Michigan and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology from the University of Oregon. Her research focuses on engagement and emotions, and their impact on health behaviors, using methods that adapt to the unique needs of the individual. Stephanie’s current projects develop and test a wide variety of health behavior interventions for smoking cessation, binge drinking prevention, healthy lifestyle behaviors, cancer prevention, and stress regulation.

Chris Bien-nee is a Health Counselor and Research Coordinator at Arizona State University, where she works on the My Path to Quit Tobacco Project, a tobacco cessation study supporting Black adults in Arizona. In her role, she provides individual and group cessation counseling, supports participant recruitment and engagement, and contributes to community outreach efforts. Chris earned her bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Sciences from the University of Southern California and a minor in Spanish. Her interests include health disparities, community-based health interventions, and improving access to preventive care.

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