Summary of Lung Cancer

This work examines lung cancer to provide a tool for patients, health care workers, and the community in the form of an informational pamphlet. The research was done through the analysis of peer-reviewed scientific publications, books, and other credible sources. This thesis establishes a timeline of disease from the broad definition, through molecular development and further progression through the stages of the disease. To simulate the natural flow of the disease from a patient’s perspective, the symptoms section appears next, followed by diagnosis, which then makes patients question statistics, treatment, and finances. The next section focuses on prevention as a solution to decrease incidence. Finally, the commentary and conclusion section offer alternative ideas. Lung cancer is found to be the most prolific killer among cancers due to high occurrence rate and low survival rates. Some of the reasons for low survival are asymptomatic nature of the disease, lack of early detection tools, and fast progression rate. While patients’ out of pocket cost is found to be around $57,000, lung cancer research receives inadequate funding. Smoking and radon exposure is the leading causes of lung cancer development. Prevention of these and other risk factors is the key to lowering cancer occurrence and death. These issues require solutions such as early detection tools, semi-frequent testing, community awareness, and education, as well as adequate research funding.