Unfortunately, stage four lung cancer cannot be cured. Although this disease will eventually result in a loss of life, life expectancy after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer varies on a case-by-case basis.
While 4th stage lung cancer is not curable, the five-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to the U.S. National Institute of Health, is roughly 23%. The institute reports a five-year survival rate between 4.9 and 6.4 % for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), but most SCLC patients only survive seven months after diagnosis.
Treatments may improve the length and quality of life of those with stage four lung cancer. Other factors that may affect one’s lifespan after a diagnosis include:
- Patient’s age.
- Patient’s overall health.
- Where the cancer has spread.
- Outlook at the time of diagnosis.
Additional factors may come into play, especially the time at which the lung cancer gets diagnosed and the types of treatments used.
Possible Signs of Lung Cancer
While smokers live at the greatest risk, non-smokers may also develop lung cancer. Some of the symptoms of lung cancer, according to Mayo Clinic, include:
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- A persistent cough.
- Persistent headaches.
An earlier diagnosis increases the chances for remission and survival, so you should seek medical attention if you experience one or more of these symptoms.
Carcinogens That Cause Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
The NIH reports that 21,000 lung cancer patients die each year after breathing carcinogenic levels of radon gas, and more die due to exposure to asbestos fibers.
The Dangers of Undetectable Radon Gas
Many people suffer exposure to radon gas—an odorless and colorless carcinogen—without even knowing it. Building managers, landlords, and other parties have a responsibility to conduct regular testing for radon. If they do not, they could expose you and others to a high risk of developing lung cancer as a result of radon gas exposure.
Accumulated Asbestos Fibers Cause Cancer
Asbestos naturally resists fire and corrosion, so any home or building constructed before 1970 probably still contains asbestos, as reported by the NIH. Breathing asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis (scarring of the lung tissue), mesothelioma, and other forms of lung cancer.
Asbestos usually resides in:
- Certain textured paints.
- Certain roofing materials including shingles.
- Vinyl flooring.
- Heat-resistant fabrics.
- Insulation, which may be in walls and attics or around pipes and heat-emitting appliances, such as furnaces and stoves.
While construction workers and repair teams live at a heightened risk of asbestos-induced lung cancer, anyone who spends significant time in a building made with asbestos increases their risk of developing lung cancer.
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Pursuing Compensation for Radon or Asbestos Exposure
If you received a lung cancer diagnosis, allowing a lawyer to handle the responsibility of pursuing compensation may prove helpful. Some ways an attorney may assist you include:
- Starting legal action so that your case falls within the statutes of limitation.
- Archiving any evidence of exposure, as well as any wrongdoing by the defendant in your case.
- Collecting your medical records and obtaining your doctors’ opinions as to how your lung cancer may have begun.
If your case reaches a conclusion resulting in compensation for you, the financial awards could cover many of your losses.
Possible Compensation in an Exposure Claim
A case of asbestos or radon negligence may entitle you to a variety of recoverable damages. Such awards may cover the cost of:
- Diagnostic tests.
- Treatment for your cancer, both in the short and long term.
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages.
If your case converts into a wrongful death claim at any point, you may have the ability to seek additional damages, such as the cost of care before the passing of a loved one,
lost earnings projected into the future, and funeral costs. Possible financial awards will depend on several factors, and you may qualify for additional damages other than those listed here.
Call Our Team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, our clients pay nothing up front or out of pocket, and only collect payment if we secure awards in your favor. We take on tough cases and will fight on your behalf for any compensation that you deserve.
Call us today at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation.
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