Open AccessAn Update on Survivorship Issues in Lung Cancer Patients
Author(s) -
Pramuditha Rajapakse
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
world journal of oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1920-454X
pISSN - 1920-4531
DOI - 10.14740/wjon1368
Subject(s) - medicine , survivorship curve , lung cancer , quality of life (healthcare) , radiation therapy , psychological intervention , distress , intensive care medicine , population , socioeconomic status , sexual dysfunction , cancer , comorbidity , oncology , psychiatry , nursing , clinical psychology , environmental health
Recent advances in lung cancer therapeutics and screening have led to increased numbers of lung cancer survivors. Most survivors have undergone invasive treatment (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy) and carry a high comorbidity burden. Overall quality of life suffers during the evaluation, treatment and follow-up phase, with the potential for long-term decline. The issues faced by survivors include physical symptoms, emotional distress as well as socioeconomic instability. These issues may lead to poor compliance with recommended follow-up plan. This article provides an up-to-date literature review on the major issues faced by lung cancer survivors and identifies under-recognized problems such as stigma, financial toxicity and sexual dysfunction. Future collaborative efforts are needed to further elucidate the complex issues that affect overall well-being of lung cancer survivors and to develop appropriate interventions in this expanding survivor population.