Donna Summer’s Cause Of Death: Lung Cancer, But Not From Smoking

Becky Bain | May 18, 2012 1:10 pm

Disco legend Donna Summer‘s death at the age of 63 was due to lung cancer, reports CNN. However, her family is quickly speaking up to clear up any rumors that smoking was a factor in the singer developing this form of cancer.

“On behalf of the Sudano family, various reports currently surfacing about the cause of Ms. Summer’s death are not accurate,” the Summer family’s representative Brian Edwards said in a statement. “Although she lost her battle to lung cancer at the age of 63, it was not related to smoking. Ms. Summer was a non-smoker.”

He continues: “Obviously, numerous factors can be attributed to the cause of cancer in general, but any details regarding the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of Ms. Summer’s case remain between her family and team of doctors.”

Though smoking is one of the largest causes of lung cancer, there are many other conditions and circumstances that lead to developing lung cancer, including exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution and asbestos, as well as it being passed on through one’s heredity.

On the day of her death, May 17, Summer’s family released the following statement:  “Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy.”

Summer’s passing is being mourned even in the White House. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were fans of the singer’s, and released a statement following her death: “Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Donna Summer. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Donna truly was the ‘Queen of Disco.’ Her voice was unforgettable, and the music industry has lost a legend far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna’s family and her dedicated fans.”

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