Lung and bronchus cancers were the leading cause of death for all cancers in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society. Therefore, it’s important for those diagnosed with lung cancer to understand what their specific cancer means to them in terms of individual chances of survival.

Unfortunately, survival rates for lung and bronchus cancers are much lower than many other cancers. From 2002 to 2005, the 1-year survival rate for all lung and bronchus cancer was just over 40 percent. Neither classification of lung cancer, small cell or non-small cell, are exceptions to the low rates.

The 5-year survival rates, according to the American Cancer Society, are:

• 53 percent for all lung cancers when the disease is still in its early, localized stage
• 17 percent for non-small cell lung cancers
• 6 percent for small cell lung cancers

Only 15 percent of lung cancers are diagnosed in the early, localized stage which is a contributing factor for the low survival rates of the disease.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer in Georgia and feel it was discovered late or originally missed by your doctor, please request a copy of our free book, I Have Cancer…Should It Have Been Caught Earlier?, or contact an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice and lung cancer lawyer at the Dover Law Firm at 770-518-1133 to schedule a free consultation.