Worldwide Death Rates Attributed to Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States and it is very common worldwide. Even though it is so common, it is one of the most deadly forms of cancer and does not have a high survival rate. Being diagnosed with lung cancer is seen by many to be a death sentence, but there are effective treatment options that can get rid of lung cancer altogether.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that involves the growth of abnormal cells within the lungs. These abnormal cells can result in a tumor that inhibits the shape and function of the lung. The reason that the death rate for lung cancer is so high worldwide, is due to the lack of early diagnosis. Most cases of lung cancer are not noticed or diagnosed right away, which is the biggest factor in the high death rate. About 6 out of every 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer worldwide will die within 1 year and about 8 in 10 will die with 2 years. This means that early diagnosis is the key to lowering the death rate for lung cancer.

Treatment options and Death Rate

The fact is that common cancer treatment options are not as effective when treating lung cancer. Even though staging the cancer does have an impact on death rate, the treatment option that is best for treating lung cancer depends on the type and extent of your condition. This means that before a doctor comes up with an available treatment option, the type, size and location of the tumor need to be known. It is also important to know if the cancer has spread to any other region of the body. When cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the death rate increases.

Staging and Death Rate

The stage of lung cancer that you are diagnosed with has a big part to play in the survival rate that you can expect. Staging allows for your doctor to better predict how your cancer will progress over time and the chances that it might return. Lower stages generally are linked to a better prognosis and a treatment option that is less severe. Being diagnosed with a lower stage of lung cancer offers a higher rate of survival and a better likelihood of finding the most effective treatment option.