Prognostic factors affecting survival rates in Lung Cancer Patients

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The 5-year survival rate of lung cancer is at 56% on early detection; however, only 16% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage worldwide. Therefore, the lung cancer survival rate as a whole despite rigorous lung cancer treatment plans is low.

The death rate for lung cancer has declined by 51% from 1990 to 2017 in men and 26% from 2002 to 2017 in women, all thanks to the evolution of lung cancer treatments & lung cancer detection. Cancer specialists around the world are also contributing to the decreased death rate by updating their knowledge and skill-set to incorporate and improve on the new discoveries made to defeat lung cancer.

Factors influencing lung cancer survival rates
It might not seem humane to reduce people to statistics; but, statistics can also give hope like in the case of lung cancer treatment, detection & lung cancer survival rates; all three improving exponentially every year.

The factors contributing to lung cancer survival rates are:
For non-small cell lung cancer:

• Stage at presentation
• Performance Score
• Weight Loss

For small cell lung cancer:

• Stage at presentation
• Performance score
• Weight loss
• Elevated Lactate dehydrogenase level
• Gender (females have a higher lung cancer survival rate compared to males)
• Hyponatremia or low sodium
• Elevated alkaline phosphatise level
• Other factors are smoking history, tumor location, co-morbidities, age, race, COPD, histology, and tumor cavitations. In India, however, comparatively younger people bear the brunt of lung cancer and participate in the studies for lung cancer survival rates, according to recent research.

How to prevent lung cancer?

While there are no set rules for lung cancer prevention set either by researchers or by cancer specialists, there are points you can follow to lower your chances of getting lung cancer.

• Don’t start smoking
  If you’ve never smoked before, the trick is to not start. The best cancer doctors in the world will tell you that lung cancer survival rates and lung cancer prevention depend on that. Also, ask your near and dear ones to not smoke as well. Start the conversation with your children about the dangers of smoking early. Additionally, avoid second-hand smokes at all costs.
• Stop smoking
  Whether you are a chain smoker or a light smoker, you can stop. Quitting will reduce your risk of lung cancer, ask any cancer specialist. Talk to your general physician about strategies and stop-smoking aids that can help you quit. Common options include nicotine replacements, medications, and support groups.
• Test for radon
  Radon exposure for a long time can lead to lung cancer. So, get your home and office, tested for radon levels if you live in an area where high radon levels have been a problem before.
• Avoid Carcinogens
  Protect yourselves from exposure to toxic chemicals at work and at home by taking precautions and taking preventive measures when required.
• Eat right
  Eat healthy diets with fruits and vegetables. Food sources rich in vitamins
  and nutrients are preferred over vitamins in pill form.
• Exercise
  Regular exercise can keep your immunity high and your body healthy. So, don’t forget to exercise as regularly as you can and remember it is okay to start small.

Several scenarios and factors can influence lung cancer occurrence, lung cancer
treatment, and lung cancer survival rate. If you need any more advice, you
can always consult the best cancer specialist in Delhi, Dr. Manish Singhal.
Even after lung cancer detection, if you want to get the best treatment for lung
cancer in Noida and Delhi, you can consult the best lung cancer doctor in
Delhi NCR, Dr. Manish Singhal, who is also known as the best Oncologist in
Delhi NCR.

Also Read: Expert tips to deal with the side effects of breast cancer treatment