Lung Cancer In America 2017, a newly released syndicated research study by Health Union conducted with more than 800 individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, reveals high levels of stress and anxiety, even among those declared as having no evidence of disease (NED). The survey finds patients are satisfied with their health care professionals (HCPs), and see them as thorough and understanding.

The survey was released in conjunction with the launch of a new Health Union online community, LungCancer.net.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. More people die each year from lung cancer than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2016, 224,390 were diagnosed with lung cancer, with about 158,080 deaths. Statistics reveal some good news, however, with new cases of lung cancer falling on average 1.8 percent each year over the last 10 years. Death rates are also declining and survival rates increasing. Death rates fell on average 2.2 percent each year between 2004 and 2013.

Both symptoms and treatment can exhaust people experiencing lung cancer, according to Lung Cancer in America respondents. The most common reported symptoms were fatigue (80 percent), shortness of breath (67 percent), trouble breathing (47 percent), cough (45 percent), and pain or discomfort (43 percent). Of the symptoms experienced, those rated as the most severe were unexplained weight loss (37 percent), recurring infections (34 percent), pain or discomfort (32 percent), and fatigue (31 percent).

The survey also found dealing with cancer and the accompanying treatment requires multiple sources of support. Family, friends, and health care professionals have a large impact on a patients’ quality of life. Sixty-three percent of survey participants report having a caregiver actively involved in their lung cancer management. Caregivers provide emotional support (87 percent), transportation to and from appointments (74 percent), and help with daily life tasks (52 percent). On top of logistics, patients need help dealing with the high levels of stress and anxiety. Sixty-four percent say talking with family or friends is one of the most common coping strategies.

The support of the health care team cannot be overstated, according to respondents. Top areas of satisfaction with HCPs center on communications and support. The aspects of care where HCPs frequently meet patient needs are: including family and friends in discussions (80 percent), explaining what will happen during testing (79 percent), providing easy-to-understand test results (77 percent), and listening to fears and concerns about having lung cancer (74 percent).

Even with this high level of satisfaction with HCPs (86 percent), there appears to be a gap in information. The cost of cancer care is a common concern cited in other studies, but patients are generally unaware of resources available to help. Sixty-two percent of respondents spent more than $1,000 out-of-pocket on lung cancer-related treatments and therapies. Only 29 percent of respondents have used any kind of patient resource, with the primary reason cited as “I was unaware.”