The odds of beating lung cancer remain very low. According to the journal Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Prognosis, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer caught in the first stage is between five and 15%. At the worst stage of lung cancer, stage four, Open Biology found that patients only have a one-year survival rate between 15% and 19%.
Various factors impact your survival rates such as early diagnosis or whether your lung cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Whether your illness classifies as small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer also greatly affects your survival rate.
According to Scientific Reports, the average survival rate for small cell lung cancer is 7 months. Unfortunately, patients receive a lung cancer diagnosis after it has developed and metastasized to distant areas of the lungs and body. Thus, making the odds of beating lung cancer very low. This occurs because their cancer grows slowly and does not exhibit immediate symptoms. Early prognosis helps to increase the survival rate for patients.
Lung Cancer Survival Rates
The survival rate of lung cancer pales in comparison to that of other types of cancers. For example, prostate cancer has a five-year survival rate of 98%.
Early detection and treatment by a physician play a factor in the survival rates of lung cancer and other types of cancer.
Unfortunately, the lack of symptoms displayed in the early stages of lung cancer allows it to go undiagnosed in many people. Later, once a person starts to display symptoms of lung cancer in advanced stages, it becomes more difficult for a physician to treat it. By the time symptoms appear, a person’s lung cancer has already spread to other parts of their body making the odds of beating lung cancer low. Another factor that contributes to poor survival rates for lung cancer is a lack of understanding of its symptoms in society. A person may confuse the symptoms of possible lung cancer for other conditions. For example, someone may mistake a dry, persistent cough for a lingering cold.
Patients diagnosed with stage one lung cancer have the best chance of surviving the disease. Stage one means the cancer remains contained in the lung and has not yet entered the blood vessels.
Screening Provides an Option to Catch Lung Cancer Earlier
Those at risk for developing lung cancer should ask their doctor about screening options. A low dose computed tomography (CT) scan can help detect lung cancer during its early stages.
Risk factors for lung cancer include:
- Smoking
- Exposure to asbestos
- Radon exposure
Asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a particularly dangerous and deadly form of cancer. This type of cancer forms in the tissues surrounding the lungs. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths following smoking. The exposure of harmful products to your lungs can have devastating effects later in life.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
You May Qualify to File an Asbestos or Radon Exposure Lawsuit
A lung cancer diagnosis can result in mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you believe that your lung cancer directly resulted from your exposure to asbestos or radon gas, you have a right to seek compensation from the negligent party that exposed you to carcinogens.
While no amount of money can change your diagnosis, compensation may provide you with access to the quality medical care you deserve. Additionally, compensation can ease the financial burden of your loved ones as they struggle to maintain their lives.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for Your Free Case Evaluation
Our legal team wants to advocate for victims who are suffering from lung cancer. We may negotiate with an insurer on your behalf to pursue a settlement for your injuries and losses. While you have the option to pursue damages on your own, a lawyer can help you. An attorney can help you navigate the legal system while you focus on treatment for your lung cancer.
Signing any documents accepting a settlement offer may prevent you from pursuing a civil action in the future should your lung cancer worsen. You have enough to deal with regarding your lung cancer treatments. Let our legal team handle insurance companies so that you can focus on your health and your family. We may also file a lawsuit if fair compensation does not result from negotiations. Many states place time limits on filing a lawsuit, so the sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin evaluating your options for a claim or lawsuit.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm as soon as possible. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing until we secure an award for your damages. To learn more, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 217-6099.
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