“By the directions I got from WHPP, I found out about a problem I didn’t know I had. After I went for the physical, I got the low-dose CT scan. A small nodule showed up that turned out to be an early lung cancer. If it hadn’t been for this program, I would never have known about this problem probably until it was too late.”

KH
Paducah GDP, Chemical Operator, 1951–1953

“In October 2003, a close friend of mine who is a WHPP representative, urged me to have a physical and the CT scan offered at no cost by WHPP. The physical results were good except for a severe hearing loss in both ears. The results of the October CT scan showed a suspicious nodule in my left lung. I had surgery and the pathology showed that the nodule was malignant. The upper left lobe of my lung was removed and the doctor assured me that he had gotten all of the lung cancer.

If it were not for the WHPP program, I would not have had a CT scan. I credit the WHPP with saving my life and am very grateful. I am also grateful to my friend for insisting that I go through the program.”

TK
Paducah GDP, Maintenance Mechanic, 1973-1998

“In the late seventies, I started having problems with my lungs. I had a physical at the plant and they thought it might be histoplasmosis, a disease you can get from birds. Years later, I had my physical and CT scan through the Worker Health Protection Program and it was then that I discovered my problem with chronic beryllium disease. Through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act, I have received compensation and continuing medical treatment. I would like to extend my thanks to all the men and women who have helped me to receive this help.”

John Bruce
Paducah GDP, Instrument Mechanic, 1953-1988

“The Workers Health Protection Program (WHPP) is a God send for the past and present workers at the Paducah GDP plant. I have been an electrician at the Paducah plant for more than 30 years. Anybody that worked during the seventies knows that we were in the workplace with little or no protection. After going through the WHPP, I was diagnosed with chronic beryllium disease (CBD) in October 2004.”

Michael Thompson
Paducah GDP, Electrician, 1974 to present

“ I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to receive the Worker Health Protection Program early cancer screening. I was impressed that the test found two abnormalities in my lungs and I'm currently being reevaluated for this condition. In addition, the test revealed a critical existing condition that I was unaware of, relating to my heart. I was diagnosed with a dilated ascending aorta and currently am getting medical care for further evaluation and treatment.

Again, I can't express my appreciation enough for this early detection screening test. I believe every employee and subcontractor that has any history of employment in the process of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant operations should be screened.”

Sammy Bell
Paducah GDP, Security Manager, 1976 to present