Sharing your smoking history could save your life | Rebecca Mattson | TEDxSanDiegoSalon

Many people under-report their smoking history or leave it out of medical conversations, often out of fear of judgment or higher health insurance costs. In this TEDxSanDiegoSalon talk, nurse scientist Rebecca Mattson looks at why patients hesitate to share their full smoking history and why that information matters for care. She encourages rethinking what is shared with healthcare providers and considers how patients can be supported to speak openly, without shame. The talk is presented as an argument that honest disclosure can help protect health.

• Why people under-report or omit smoking history
• Fear of judgment and higher insurance costs
• How openness with healthcare providers supports patient care

Have you ever under reported your smoking history, or left it out entirely, because you feared judgment or higher health insurance costs? You may think you’re protecting yourself, but withholding that information could mean risking your life. Rebecca Mattson explores why people hesitate to share their full smoking history and why that conversation matters. She invites us to rethink what we tell our healthcare providers, and how we can make it easier for patients to speak openly, without shame. An honest conversation could help protect your health, and save your life. Connect with Rebecca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsonsdsu?trk=contact-info #SmokingHistory #PatientCare #HealthCommunication #TEDx #TEDxSanDiego #SDSU #moorescancercenter Dr. Rebecca Mattson, PhD, RN, is a nurse scientist and public health researcher at San Diego State University focused on improving population health through early disease detection. As a Co-Investigator on federally supported research, she leverages advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for the early detection of lung cancer. Additionally, as a Principal Investigator partnering with a major healthcare system, Dr. Mattson utilizes Apple Health to explore how everyday health signals can reveal hidden disease risks. Her technology-driven research aims to bridge gaps between clinical healthcare and the home, transforming routine data into actionable opportunities for prevention and improved patient outcomes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx