When you get a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis, it can be scary. But there are many resources available to help you cope with the disease and improve your outlook. For example, research shows that patients who are treated for early-stage disease have an improved survival rate compared with those who are not.
The risk of developing lung cancer increases with age, according to the American Cancer Society. Younger people have the highest 5-year survival rates, followed by older adults. Several factors may affect your risk of getting lung cancer, including cigarette smoking and genetic mutations.
EGFR gene mutations: People with certain types of lung cancer have a better chance of survival if their tumors have an EGFR gene mutation. Targeted drug therapies can treat this mutation, which can lead to slower-growing tumors and a higher survival rate.
Smoking: Quitting cigarette smoking before starting treatment can increase your odds of having a longer survival time, according to a 2018 study. It may also decrease the risk of death due to lung cancer, according to a 2015 study.
Other treatments: Chemotherapy is a common treatment for stage 4 lung cancer, but it can cause harmful side effects. Other treatment options include immunotherapy, which can strengthen your immune system to fight the disease. In addition, doctors may try surgery to remove tumors that cause pain.
Treatment is designed to shrink the tumors and improve symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society. Your doctor may also recommend palliative care, which focuses on maintaining your quality of life while reducing or eliminating symptoms.
Symptoms vary depending on where the cancer has spread in your body, says the American Lung Association. It may cause problems with breathing, fatigue, and pain.
The type of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and accounts for about 90% of all cases. Small cell lung cancer, which accounts for about 13% of all cases, is more aggressive and tends to spread quickly.
Life expectancy: The 5-year survival rate for stage 4 NSCLC is about 16%, according to the American Cancer Society. However, people who have the disease are more likely to die than those with a healthier immune system, according to a 2017 study.
Race and ethnicity: Studies show that Black people have a higher risk of developing and dying from lung cancer than people of other races and ethnicities. But this is not a strong correlation, notes the National Cancer Institute.
Older age: The 5-year survival rate for stage 4 lung cancer declines with increasing age, reports the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program. Despite these differences, the overall survival rate for lung cancer is high.
Other factors: In addition to cigarette smoking, the age and health of your immune system may impact your survival, notes the American Cancer Society. Having a healthy immune system is especially important for people with lung cancer that has spread to the brain, bones, or liver.
