Sunday, September 23, 2018 — Lung Cancer Alliance’s Director of Support Initiatives, Maureen Rigney, LICSW presented findings from a survey done on long-term lung cancer survivors at the official press conference at the 19th Annual World Conference on Lung Cancer in Toronto, Canada. Online survey data showed lung cancer survivors indicate that emotional effects, unlike physical impacts, are more problematic for long-term survivors after five years. The survey focused on the treatment and smoking histories of 820 respondents.

“Symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue are just a few of the physical side effects that can occur during and post treatment,” said Rigney. “Emotionally, lung cancer stigma and anxiety don’t end when treatment is over.”

The most common late and long-term symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, short-term memory and anxiety. The long-term survival rate of those who have been diagnosed with lung cancer continues to increase, calling for additional research to fully understand how to best support this patient population.

Click here to watch the full press conference.