According to the latest Lung cancer treatment statistics in India 2020,  one in 68 males in India has lung cancer. However, the survival in lung cancer patients has improved in India from 11 months to a 5-year survival rate of 17.8% over the last ten years, which is more than expected. According to the best lung cancer doctor in Delhi NCR, this has been possible due to the availability of advanced chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy drugs to a large extend.

With over 68,000 lung cancer cases in India, according to a WHO report, when it comes to lung cancer, survival rates vary in different stages of lung cancer. However, stage 3 lung cancer is still treatable. The latest study of lung cancer treatment progress in India 2019-2020, shows how research & development towards using CAR-T cells therapy, molecularly targeted therapies, and immunotherapies implies a promising future of cancer treatment in India. Doctors believe that these treatments can extend the quality of life for patients and help those who are suffering from Stage 3 lung cancer.

Symptoms in Regards to Lung Cancer

Research shows that the life expectancy rate in stage three lung cancer ranges from 13% to 33%. According to a cancer specialist in Delhi, Stage 3 lung cancer treatment generally begins with surgery to remove the tumors in the lungs. Although, in stage 3A, there can be more than one tumor in the lungs, and the treatment includes chemotherapy and radiation after surgery. 

In Stage 3B, along with tumors, cancer may spread to lymph nodes even on the opposite side of the patient’s chest, and the patient can need the combination of both chemo and radiation for their lung cancer treatment. Additionally, in stage 3C, patients can have multiple tumors in the lungs, and the cancer cells can spread to the breastbone, chest walls, and heart. 

Now your cancer doctor may recommend both radiation or chemotherapy treatment if surgery is not possible to remove the tumor. 

Things to keep in mind 

Along with lung cancer treatment update by researchers,  that shows an increase in the use of treatment options like immunotherapy, reports show that stage 3 of lung cancer has noticeable symptoms, like a persistent cough, trouble breathing, pain in the chest area, weight loss, headache, etc. Therefore, It is crucial to consult a cancer specialist at this point. Besides, researches reveal that only one-third of patients reach stage 3 after being diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer.

Treatment options 

• Radiation therapy– Scientists have found that about 5% of patients with Stage III lung cancer can be cured after five years of radioactive treatment. Therefore, in case if surgery is not successful, oncologist in Noida suggests radiation therapy. 
• Chemoradiation– When surgery isn’t an option for a particular patient, doctors recommend both chemotherapy or radiation therapy at the same time, which is known as Chemoradiation.
• Immunotherapy– Immunotherapy helps to increase the body’s immune system and help it fight against cancer. Now, if surgery isn’t a reasonable choice for the patient, doctors prefer immunotherapy.

Deal with Stage 3 cancer

• You can manage your pain with the help of professionals- 

It is not easy to cope with the 3rd stage of lung cancer or treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. So you can consult with doctors who can help you control your pain and lower your chances of falling into depression.

• Ease other symptoms by following simple things–

Most patients have weight loss while suffering from a severe disease like cancer. Therefore, you can eat healthy to boost your immune system and help keep up your strength to fight against infections. For constant coughs in lung cancer, you can find some relief with:

• Deep-breathing exercises
• Using a humidifier
• Take suggestions from doctors about different body positions that will help to clear your airways.
• Take the advice of a specialist to use a machine to clear mucus if needed.

Post-treatment follow-up

Regular check-ups and post-treatment care are crucial in lung cancer, just like other types of cancers. Therefore, after the completion of stage 3 lung cancer treatment, the patient should consult with a doctor. With treatment and regular check-ups, patients can remain stress-free and improve their overall heart. If you’re looking for a cancer specialist in Delhi, you can easily book an appointment with our leading lung cancer doctor, Dr. Manish Singhal, in one of the best hospitals of treatment for lung cancer in Delhi NCR.