Lung Cancer Survival Rate without Treatment

The figures for people surviving lung cancer without any prescribed treatment are not very encouraging due to two primary reasons. Firstly, this is the most common and universal form of cancer all around the world so there are bound to be a number of people afflicted by this condition on an annual basis, and a large number of these people are going to succumb to the condition. Secondly, the symptoms of this condition only arise when the cancer has reached the final stage, where treatment itself is a hit and miss option. These factors make the picture for survival a very bleak one.

Lung cancer is a condition that develops due to the abnormal growth of some cells in the lungs, and this causes a variety of problems to spread into the lungs of a human being. Its single biggest cause is smoking, and with the large base of smokers present all around the world, this is a problem that is commonly found in all corners of the world. There are two types of this condition that people are afflicted by Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): This accounts for about 20% of all cases, and its main cause is tobacco and nicotine consumption.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

The symptoms of this condition are visible only when the cancerous growth has reached an advanced stage. By the time the cancers presence has been found, it is too late for doctors and medical experts to do anything about the condition. In other cases, lung cancer can be found at an early stage only via an accidental CT scan or a chest x-ray. Here are some of the commonly seen symptoms.

• Coughing out of blood.
• A persistent cough that only worsens over time.
• Breathing problems and wheezing noise while breathing.
• Frequent bouts of pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Constant weight loss and fatigue.
• Constant chest pain and burning sensation in throat and chest.

The survival rate by stage only falls lower and lower, and the most dangerous stage of all is Stage 4 lung cancer. If a patient is diagnosed at Stage 1, chances of survival are quite high if accompanied with some form of treatment, but Stage 4 is an irrevocable stage and nothing can be done if the individual has reached this stage.

Prognosis of Survival Rate of Lung Cancer

No matter what stage of lung cancer an individual finds himself in, it is imperative to get treatment as far as possible. This is only a measure of prolonging the inevitable since there is no permanent cure for the condition. Patients in Stage 1 can live longer if they undertake the necessary treatment, and also quit smoking completely. Life will not be easy for them thereafter, but they can certainly increase their hopes of surviving for a longer duration. The 5 year survival rate for lung cancer patients is a measly 70%, and this includes all the people who are in the initial stages only. Hence, the number of patients surviving is very poor, and this a path no one should go down upon. It is essential to get treatment and medical help as soon as possible in order to increase one's life expectancy.

Being diagnosed with lung cancer is a very traumatic experience for the individual, and for his/her family as well. Getting treatment is crucial, because that is the only key to survival.