Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with millions of people diagnosed with this disease every year.

While the chances of survival for lung cancer patients have improved in recent years with effective treatment options, older adults are still at a higher risk of death after a lung cancer diagnosis. However, a new study has found that lung cancer survival rates can be increased for elderly patients through surgery.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs, leading to the formation of a tumor. It usually starts in the cells that line the air passages of the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body if untreated.

The most common symptom of lung cancer is a persistent cough, and other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, and fatigue. Smokers, people exposed to secondhand smoke, and those with a family history of lung cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

The Importance of Catching It Early

When caught early, there is a higher chance of treating and surviving lung cancer. Unfortunately, many people do not show any symptoms until the later stages of the disease, making it challenging to treat.

This is why regular screenings are necessary, particularly for people at high risk, such as smokers, to detect the disease early and increase the chances of survival.

Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Lung cancer treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the person’s overall health. The common treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Treatment plans are usually created based on the individual’s health, cancer type, and overall well-being.

Surgical Treatment for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer surgery involves removing a portion of the affected lung tissue to eliminate the cancer. The type of surgery performed depends on the size and location of the tumor. There are three primary types of surgical procedures for lung cancer:.

Lobectomy – The removal of one lobe of the lung.
Segmentectomy – The removal of a part of a lobe.
Wedge Resection – The removal of a small part of the lung tissue.

Surgery for Elderly Patients with Lung Cancer

Older adults are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, and surgery may seem like an alternative for this group of patients.

However, many older adults are not considered for surgery due to concerns about elevated risks and subsequent recovery periods. Also, studies from previous years had shown that surgery was unfavorable for elderly people because they may have comorbidities that increase the risk of death.

However, a recent study has highlighted that if surgical management is accurately performed, this can increase survival even for elderly patients.

A New Study Supports Surgery for Elderly Patients with Lung Cancer

A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology has indicated that surgery can increase survival rates among older adults with non-small cell lung cancer. The non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of the disease.

Researchers analyzed the survival rates of adults aged 70 years or older with stage I or stage II non-small cell lung cancer. For the analysis, researchers looked at the records of 14,338 patients from 2004 to 2015 from the National Cancer Database in the United States.

The study found that surgery had higher survival rates for older adults than radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

The researchers reported that the survival rates in the group that underwent surgery were 81.7%, while those in the radiotherapy and chemotherapy groups were 34.3% and 50.9%, respectively. Moreover, the researchers reported that the age of the patient did not interfere in the surgical procedure, and hazard ratios were similar between age groups.

Benefits of Surgery for Elderly Patients with Lung Cancer

The study’s findings suggest that surgery is a beneficial treatment option for elderly patients with lung cancer. Surgery can help enhance a patient’s quality of life and improve their chances of survival.

Surgery is effective because it removes the tumor, leaving less cancerous tissue behind that can continue to grow and spread. It also reduces the risk of cancer growth and proliferation in other parts of the body.

Undergoing Surgery as an Elderly Lung Cancer Patient

If you are an elderly person with lung cancer, surgery could be an effective treatment option available to you.

However, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider the risks and benefits of surgery based on your health status and medical history. A proper evaluation of comorbidities can help to estimate any potential risks and complications and optimize the surgical outcomes minimizing adverse effects.

Conclusion

Lung cancer is devastating, particularly among the elderly population.

While this disease remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the recent study suggests that surgical management can be a successful and safe treatment option for older adults. Surgery can be life-saving, helping to increase chances of survival and overall well-being and improving a patient’s quality of life.

For elderly patients with lung cancer, it is crucial to discuss with healthcare providers the best treatment options based on their specific health status and history.