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Black and uninsured people were less likely to get: �
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Chemoradiotherapy that can sometimes cure stage III( three) lung cancer
Molecular testing to guide targeted treatment
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Systemic treatment Chemotherapy Radiation to help with pain relief Medicine to treat symptoms
Researchers said out-of-pocket costs are an important barrier for many people. New treatments for advanced lung cancer, including targeted treatments and immunotherapy, come at a high cost, and insurance doesn’ t always cover newer types of therapies.
But more studies are needed to understand all the causes of disparities and ways to lower them.
What Can You Do?
If you are a person of color and are worried about disparities in your care, treatment, and chances of survival with lung cancer, there are steps you can take:
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Try to find a regular doctor you trust. If you don’ t have a regular doctor, you’ re less likely to have someone you trust with lung cancer treatment. You also may find it harder to talk to your doctor.
Take care not to miss scheduled doctor’ s appointments. If you miss appointments, you’ re more likely to have symptoms overlooked.
Understand that you can do just as well with a lung cancer diagnosis if you get needed treatment.
Know that other health conditions you may have, such as heart disease or diabetes, don’ t mean that you won’ t do well with treatment for your lung cancer.
What to Know About Lung Cancer Screening
If you have a history of smoking and are at high risk for lung cancer, you should get informed about lung cancer screening to improve your odds of catching lung cancer sooner. Lung cancer screening can reduce your chances of dying from lung cancer by detecting it at an early stage. Early-stage lung cancer may be cured with surgery.
You’ re at high risk for lung cancer if:
� You are aged 50 – 80
� You have“ 20 or more pack years”— meaning you smoked a pack a day of cigarettes for 20 years or 2 packs a day for 10 years
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You currently smoke or quit less than 15 years ago If you’ re at high risk, talk to your doctor about lung cancer screening.
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