Jerry was a lifelong smoker who always brushed off warnings about lung cancer. “My uncle smoked for 60 years and lived until 90,” he would say. “I’ll be just fine.”
Unfortunately, Jerry’s overconfidence was shattered when he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at age 68. The doctor bluntly told him that without treatment, his chances of surviving 5 more years were less than 2%.
The reality is that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In India alone, over 130,000 people die from lung cancer each year – more than breast, prostate, and colon cancer combined.
And for those who decide to forgo treatment, the survival rates can be devastatingly low. Here’s a closer look at what to expect with lung cancer survival rates if the disease goes untreated.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a serious illness where abnormal cells grow out of control in the lungs. As these cancerous cells multiply, they can form tumours and interfere with the lungs’ ability to provide the body with oxygen.
There are two main types of lung cancer – small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common, accounting for around 85% of cases.
Causes of Lung Cancer
The experts of the best cancer hospital in Delhi say that the biggest cause of lung cancer is smoking cigarettes. The toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke damage lung cells over time, which can lead to lung cancer developing.
Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, air pollution, and having a family history of lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Survival Rates Without Treatment
If lung cancer is not treated, the survival rates are very low. For all types of lung cancer at all stages, only around 19% of people will survive 5 years or more without treatment.
The survival rate depends a lot on the stage of the cancer when it is diagnosed. Staging takes into account the size of the tumour and how far it has spread. The earlier lung cancer is caught, the better the outlook.
Stage 1 Lung Cancer
For stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer, where the tumour is contained inside the lung, the 5-year survival rate without treatment is around 25%. That means around 1 in 4 people diagnosed at this early stage would be expected to live 5 years or longer without any treatment.
For limited-stage small cell lung cancer, where the cancer is only in one lung, the 5-year survival rate without treatment is around 15%.
Stage 2 Lung Cancer
At stage 2, the cancer has spread a bit further but not too far yet. The 5-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer at stage 2 without treatment is around 16%.
For extensive stage small cell lung cancer, where the tumour has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate without treatment drops to just 2.9%.
Stage 3 Lung Cancer
Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer means the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest or other areas. At this stage, the 5-year survival rate without treatment is only around 5%.
Stage 4 Lung Cancer
The most advanced stage is stage 4, where cancer has spread to both lungs, the area around the lungs, or distant parts of the body like the bones, liver, or brain.
At stage 4 for non-small cell lung cancer, the 5-year survival rate without treatment is around 1%. For small cell lung cancer at this final stage, the 5-year survival rate without treatment is under 2%.
Impact of Treatment
While the survival rates for lung cancer are very low without treatment, they do improve significantly with proper treatment based on the stage of the cancer.
Getting treatment like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy can give lung cancer patients a much better chance at survival. Early detection is also crucial.
That’s why it’s so important to see a doctor right away if you have any symptoms like a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss. Don’t ignore potential lung cancer warning signs.
When to See a Doctor
If you are a current or former smoker over age 50 with a history of heavy smoking, you should get routine lung cancer screening even without symptoms. Guidelines also recommend screening for non-smokers with a high risk due to other factors.
But no matter your risk level, you should make an appointment with your doctor or visit a cancer hospital in Delhi as soon as possible if you notice any persistent symptoms that could signal lung cancer.
The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the outlook. While survival rates are low overall without treatment, many patients can beat the odds with proper medical care, especially when caught early.
So, if you are looking for the best hospital in Delhi where you can get the evaluation done by experts, visit PSRI Hospital. They have a team of expert cancer doctors who analyse your situation and give the required treatment. Book an appointment today to know more.