Half of Lung Cancer Patients Don’t Pursue Treatment Despite Advances in Care
Lung cancer care has advanced dramatically over the past two decades, but two new studies show that many people with lung cancer choose to get no treatment. We’ve identified seven main reasons why people may avoid getting recommended lung cancer care, even as treatments become more effective.
A JAMA Oncology study examined more than 254,000 people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), also known as stage 4 lung cancer. Only 46.8% pursued lung cancer treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Some patients were predicted to have positive treatment outcomes, such as those under age 80 with few other health conditions and who survived at least 90 days after diagnosis. However, of those patients, 1 in 5 chose not to receive systemic therapy.
Cancer Therapy Advisor found that patients who have lung cancer with no treatment only live for around 6 months after diagnosis.
You or a loved one may be struggling with the same decision. Understanding why people choose to avoid treatment could help you feel sure about your next steps.
Get a Free Lung Cancer Guide now to learn about your options and potential payouts.
- Understand risk factors
- Find top treatments
- Pursue compensation
Why Do So Many Patients Avoid Lung Cancer Treatment?
Each patient’s experience with lung cancer is different. Choosing to pursue different treatment options isn’t always an easy yes or no.
Here are seven main reasons why people don’t get lung cancer treatment:
- Advanced age: Older patients are more likely to refuse lung cancer treatments.
- Comorbidities (other health problems): Patients dealing with additional health concerns at the time of a diagnosis could delay getting lung cancer treatment as a result.
- Concerns about side effects: Lung cancer treatments come with a risk of side effects, which can make some people hesitate to start them.
- Lack of family support: People without loved ones to lean on during treatment might skip recommended therapies. Instead, they may turn to alternative therapies, which can sometimes ease pain but don’t improve survival or treat the cancer.
- Medical miscommunication: Some cancer patients refuse treatment because their medical team doesn’t properly explain the seriousness of their diagnosis and available therapies that could help them.
- No access to specialists: Researchers with The Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that only 7% of oncologists serve people in rural areas, meaning that many people don’t live close to care providers.
- Transportation difficulties: Those who can’t afford public transportation, lack access to it, or don’t own a vehicle may not have consistent transportation to attend treatments.
Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is challenging. If you have questions, call our team at (877) 446-5767 so we can connect you with support resources.
Racial Gaps Also Influence Lung Cancer Treatment Access
A person’s race also affects their likelihood of getting treatment. A JAMA Open Network study reviewed more than 28,000 people with Medicare who were diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer between 2005 and 2019.
The study uncovered a few notable findings:
- Black patients were consistently less likely than white patients to receive curative treatment, and the gap has only improved by around 4% since the 1990s.
- Treatment gaps between Black and white patients persisted even among Medicare patients with consistent coverage, the only participants included in the study.
- While patients are generally choosing to have less surgery after a lung cancer diagnosis, Black people are much less likely to receive surgical treatment than white people.
“Despite all the effort and attention, we haven’t improved as much as we should have. The next step has to ask why — and what we’re going to do differently.”
— Olivia Lynch, MD, MPH, and lead author of the JAMA Open Network study
Learning about the systemic challenges preventing patients from receiving care is crucial. It may provide clarity for those who have non-small cell lung cancer or understanding for their loved ones.
Download a Free Lung Cancer Guide today to get started.
- Understand risk factors
- Find top treatments
- Pursue compensation
What These Studies Mean for Lung Cancer Patients and Families
These latest studies show that agreeing to lung cancer treatments can be complicated. People may not have access to the care they need, doctors who communicate well, or the energy to fight systemic barriers.
However, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, advocating for the best care is still possible.
Here are a few steps that could make a difference:
- Ask for an oncology referral: Oncologists can review all of your treatment options, including those that could potentially be easier to tolerate, like immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
- Discuss biomarker testing: This testing identifies whether your cancer has specific mutations that could be matched to new biomarker-targeted lung cancer drugs.
- Get a second opinion: A specialized lung cancer center could provide a clarifying second opinion, especially if you’re about to make a major treatment decision.
- Visit with a loved one or caregiver: If you bring someone you trust to an appointment, they could explain things alongside your doctor because they know how you receive information best.
Today’s lung cancer treatments are very different from those of even 5 or 10 years ago. Make sure that you or your loved one explores all your options before deciding whether to pursue treatment.
Get Help Now Regarding Your Lung Cancer Care
Even with better available therapies, many lung cancer patients are saying no to treatment. Factors such as their age, where they live, and systemic barriers could prevent them from receiving life-changing care.
Lung Cancer Group believes every patient deserves access to the best possible care after a diagnosis, regardless of their background. The life expectancy of lung cancer with no treatment is only around 6 months, so it’s important to act quickly.
We may be able to help you:
- Connect with top lung cancer doctors near you
- Find support options for yourself or your family
- Learn about the best lung cancer treatments
- Pursue financial compensation if your cancer was caused by asbestos
Call (877) 446-5767 or get our Free Lung Cancer Guide to explore your options today. You may be able to seek compensation that helps you access care.
Written by:Lung Cancer GroupLung Cancer Group was established by a team of caring advocates so those with lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases can get the help they deserve. Our site provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about lung cancer, its link to asbestos, and financial compensation available to patients. Contact us to learn more and get assistance.
