Finding Beneficial Information About Lung Cancer

I recently had a conversation with a fellow survivor. They were upset about an article that was posted because it gave false hope. I read the article and didn’t find anything wrong with it.

I realized after a short chat, the reason they found issues with the article - and why I didn't find any issues - was that I read that article multiple times before, in different iterations. I was reading it as someone who was diagnosed over eight years ago. I re-read it with the mindset that I had when I was first diagnosed and found that they were correct, and the article was quite misleading. After so many years in the lung cancer world, how do we know what lung cancer research articles are safe and what statistics we can quote?

Primary information on lung cancer: Statistics

First, I am not a big fan of looking at statistics. Lung cancer research has come a long way since I was diagnosed in 2014. There is still a lot of work to be done, and we are sure moving in the right direction.

As a newly diagnosed survivor, it is important to understand that the data can be a few years old. With the advancements in recent years, some don't consider the new treatments that are now available. It is okay to look at statistics, but keep this in mind.

As mentioned, I do not consider the statistics for the most part. I do, however, quote the statistics given to me by the advocacy organizations. One such statistic is that one in 17 people in the United States will be diagnosed with Lung Cancer in their lifetime. (Lungevity.org)

Treatment

Everyone has a different view on how to decide on what treatment to take. I have always trusted what my oncologist has chosen. I have had options in the past, but for the most part, I have always stuck with her decision. It has faired me well so far.

Information about side effects

As far as side effects, information on lung cancer is best provided by someone who has personally been there. I am part of a few Facebook groups. When I was first diagnosed, I had a phone buddy. It helped that my phone buddy was someone on the same treatment or at least something similar to discuss the side effects.

Another option is the lungcancer.net Facebook page or this website. You can utilize the search function and find topics that interest you. Many articles here offer personal experience, and the editorial team makes articles for more research-based topics.

Clinical trial information

Another important topic to discuss is where to find the proper clinical trial. I have participated in two clinical trials and was fortunate to have found both through my oncologist. I had to travel from Chicago to Boston for the first one, but the second one was at the hospital that I was going to. I suggest using clinicaltrials.gov and narrowing it down from there.

Speak with your oncologist about what you find, and they can help you decide.