New Hope for Lung Cancer Patients
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths across the US. It often goes undetected until a late stage, meaning it’s more likely to spread and become harder to treat. But thanks to promising new treatments, there’s hope on the horizon for people living with lung cancer.
The Stark Reality of a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
All cancers are potentially fatal, especially if left untreated for a prolonged period. However, a lung cancer diagnosis is particularly challenging for victims.
- Almost half of lung cancers go undetected until they reach a “distant” stage, meaning the cancer has spread to other organs and tissues throughout the body. Survival rates are low at this stage.
- Although lung cancer screening is improving detection rates, it is a far from perfect mechanism for identifying cancer.
- Lung cancer symptoms can be subtle and difficult to spot, which could account for why the cancer goes undetected for so long.
However, there’s a lot to be hopeful for. New drugs (specifically, immunotherapy treatments) are cause for optimism.
New Drugs Are Saving Lives
The body’s immune system is wonderful – and incredibly complex. Its full possibilities are, yet, unknown, but researchers are exploring new and exciting ways to use immune system responses to defeat cancer.
One such technique is the use of immune-boosting drugs. These drugs can target specific genetic mutations in cancer tumors, which may help to slow or inhibit cancerous growths. In other cases, immunity-enhancing drugs are extending lifespans and improving overall life quality for people with lung cancer who are already at an advanced stage.
The drugs appear to work best alongside other conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. And although they can’t guarantee survival, and they may not offer a cure, they should be viewed as a hugely positive step forward in our approach to managing – and eventually curing – lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
As mentioned, lung cancer symptoms can be difficult to spot. So, what should you be looking out for? Consult your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if you’re aged 65 or over and have a history of smoking:
- Hoarseness
- Persistent cough
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- New wheezing or shortness of breath
- Repeated bouts of bronchitis
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
Although these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, they do indicate that you should talk to your doctor.
Causes of Lung Cancer
The leading cause of developing lung cancer is smoking. However, non-smokers develop lung cancer, too. Other causes of lung cancer include:
- Air pollution
- Family history of lung cancer
- Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke
- Asbestos exposure
- Radon exposure
There’s often no explanation as to why a person develops lung cancer. However, in some cases, lung cancer may be attributed to asbestos exposure, radon exposure, or industrial disease. If you have been exposed to harmful chemicals or materials during your employment, and you now have lung cancer, contact Madeksho Law. We can determine if you have a compensation claim, and we will help you pursue the damages you deserve.
Call 888-910-6376 to schedule a free consultation.
