Lung cancer is difficult to fight. The best care can sometimes only do so much, especially for older patients. Still, treatment involving chemotherapy and radiation can lengthen the life of patients in their 80s and 90s while reducing symptoms. Essentially, it can lead to a longer, healthier life.
Unfortunately, not all patients are receiving this standard level of care. In particular, elderly minorities with non-small cell lung cancer are less likely to receive chemoradiation therapy, according to a recent study soon to be published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
A majority of elderly minority women did not receive care
Shockingly, the majority of black women in their 80s and 90s examined in the study received no care at all for their lung cancer diagnosis. The authors of the study examined data from 2004 to 2013 compiled by the National Cancer Data Base. The thousands of records analyzed by researchers indicated that 62.6 percent of black women octogenarians received no care at all. People who lived in lower-educated counties were also less likely to receive care.
Not surprisingly, overall survivor rates for elderly black women suffered as a result. The study has yet to be published but is available online.
Asbestos and lung cancer
Lung cancer is often linked exclusively to smoking. However, anyone can get lung cancer. For example, asbestos has long been a known cause of lung cancer. When asbestos is the cause of lung cancer, patients may be entitled to compensation. This can help patients get the treatment they need, regardless of their income, age, race or where they live.
If you developed lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos, speak to an experienced asbestos litigation law firm to discuss your rights.
