Racial Disparities Found Among Lung Cancer Patients

By: Peter Kent

Racial Disparities Found Among Lung Cancer Patients

Researchers have found that disparities may exist between the survival of lung cancer patients between various races, particularly among African Americans who are at a greater risk of fatality following a lung cancer diagnosis compared to those of other races, according to a report from the University of Washington, Seattle researchers.

The study used informational data from 17,739 patients that were of the average age of 75 years old. The data was collected during the time period of 1992 to 2002. Of the patients, approximately 89 percent were of the Caucasian race while only 6 percent were African Americans. According to the research, "black patients recommended to surgery had lung resections less frequently than white patients."

The report found that as long as African American patients received "recommended appropriate treatment" the disparities shrank considerably, however, that has not been the case thus far, according to a Science Daily news article. Researchers are unsure as to why the disparity is occurring particularly among African Americans compared to their Caucasian counterparts, but explored the following reasons as potential differences:

* patients may be less inclined to undergo surgery
* patients may be have limited access to appropriate care
* patients may be less likely to visit the physician

However, if these patients had received a proper adjustment or treatment, then "no significant association between race and death" would have occurred, according to the news article.

Lung Cancer Causes

While the Oncology Channel notes that tobacco smoke is responsible for "80 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and 75 percent of lung cancer deaths in women," there are a significant number of other risk factors that can lead to an individual's diagnosis of lung cancer. The following are several risk factors including:

# secondhand smoke
# asbestos
# radon
# occupational exposures
# age
# race
# sex
# hereditary

It is imperative that in order for a lung cancer patient to receive the best appropriate method of treatment that he/she contact a medical professional at the first signs and symptoms of their potential condition. The Mayo Clinic reported the following as several signs and symptoms common among lung cancer patients:

* hoarseness
* wheezing
* chest pain
* coughing up blood
* development of chronic cough, also smoker's cough
* new cough that does not go away

Defining Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of lung cancer that is caused after the inhalation of asbestos fibers and dust particles has occurred. Individuals who are at the most risk for developing mesothelioma cancer are those working predominately in a construction industry or similar type of field such as the following, according to New Zealand's National Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Committee:

* asbestos workers
* auto mechanics
* miners
* millers
* machinery fitters
* boilermakers
* firemen
* waterside workers
* railway workers
* construction workers

Individuals who have worked in any of the above fields or a similar work environment are advised to seek medical attention if any of the above signs and symptoms develop. Additionally, it is important that an individuals suffering from mesothelioma cancer contact an environmental toxin attorney to learn about developing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

It is often necessary to create such litigation as a mesothelioma diagnosis is frequently delivered with expensive treatment options and a short life expectancy. By creating a mesothelioma lawsuit an individual is increasing their chance of receiving monetary compensation as an award for their debilitating condition.

Peter Kent is the best-selling author of 50 books and hundreds of articles for magazines and newspapers. He manages Legalview.com, a website hosting a variety of information on legal issues, including Mesothelioma.

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