
When the American Cancer Society talks about lung cancer statistics and how many people die from lung cancer every year, it involves data from small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Even with “colon, breast and prostate cancers combined,” the American Cancer Society (ACS) says that more people die of lung cancer.
Knowing that lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in the United States is especially concerning, knowing that not everyone who is at risk for this type of cancer undergoes screening. This could be because not everyone who is at risk for lung cancer is aware of it.
About Lung Cancer and Treatment
There are two main types of lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society: Small cell lung cancer makes up “13 percent of all lung cancers,” while non-small cell lung cancer makes up “84 percent” of all lung cancers. The distinction between the two types of cancer is important, because it will determine the type of cancer treatment a doctor will advise.
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
No case of cancer is exactly alike, but there are some common risk factors and steps taken to diagnose and treat cancer in the lungs. The American Lung Association recommends screening for the following people:
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- “55-80 years of age”
- “Have a 30 pack-year history of smoking (this means 1 pack a day for 30 years, 2 packs a day for 15 years, etc.)”
- “AND, are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years”
Many people understand that smoking cigarettes could cause cancer, and that certainly makes up for some of the lung cancer statistics. However, other risk factors for lung cancer could go ignored. One known risk factor of lung cancer is asbestos, which was commonly used in house construction and household products for decades. That is one reason people “55-80 years of age” are on the recommended list of candidates for lung cancer screenings.
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Lung Cancer Treatment
When a person gets cancer in the lungs, doctors use a process called staging to determine the extent of the cancer development, and the best course of treatment, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). While small cell lung cancer is staged differently from non-small cell lung cancer, treatment options for both types can overlap. Generally, in less severe cases of small cell lung cancer, doctors will use systemic treatments like medication and chemotherapy, possibly combining the use of radiation to beat the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
In earlier stages of non-small cell lung cancer, doctors may advise surgery to directly remove the tumor, or masses of cells that have cancer. In later stages of non-small cell lung cancer when surgery would be more invasive, doctors might use chemotherapy and radiation, or a combination of all of these options, according to the ASCO. However, for very severe cases of cancer of the lungs, treatment of any kind is not always effective. Additionally, one round of cancer treatments does not guarantee that the cancer will be completely removed. That is why it is especially important for at-risk people to know they are at risk, and to catch cancer in its beginning stages.
Lung Cancer Lawsuits
Lawsuits pursuing compensation for the treatment and emotional burden of cancer treatments are building up, especially for older populations. Since public regulations for asbestos were not made official until the 1970s, and not strictly enforced until even later, people in the current 55-80+ age groups may have experienced unnecessary exposure to known carcinogens like asbestos in home and in public. Asbestos was frequently used for building materials in homes and public structures and was even reportedly found in Johnson & Johnson powder hygiene products, as recently as 2019.
It was not until 2019 that the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that “discontinued asbestos products cannot be reintroduced into commerce without the Agency evaluating them.” However, with the current climate of corporate power and their misleading of the general public for decades, it is clear that there may be even more damage yet to be discovered. For this reason, Johnson & Johnson and other companies with a historical use of under-reporting asbestos in their products face thousands of lawsuits from people fighting cancer.
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If you or a loved one received a diagnosis or are affected by any form of cancer, not limited to lung cancer, ovarian cancer, or mesothelioma, our personal injury lawyers want to help. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm understands your rights as a consumer, and the extensive financial, emotional, and physical burdens that fighting cancer can bring.
Do not face your cancer diagnosis alone. Hold liable parties accountable when you work with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to defend your rights. Consult with a personal injury lawyer by calling (800) 217-6099.
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