Survivors of Lung Cancer Experience Long-Term Breathing Problems

The diagnosis of lung cancer can be difficult enough without the burden of recovery and time away from work. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits. A long-term disability lawyer can advise you of your eligibility for benefits.

The good news in the medical world is that there are a growing number of long-term lung cancer survivors. Advancements in technology continue to help patients who are diagnosed with lung cancer.

However, survivors of lung cancer can continue to experience long-term breathing problems. Dyspnea is a condition where the patient experiences shortness of breath. It can become a debilitating condition for a patient.

A recent study published findings on dyspnea in 342 early-stage lung cancer survivors who had surgery to remove a tumor. Out of the 342, dyspnea was found in 60% of the patients. This was almost 3x the number of patients who had signs of dyspnea before having surgery.

Some of the factors that were found to be associated with long-term dyspnea included:

• Presence of dyspnea prior to surgery;
• Lungs ability to transfer oxygen into the blood was reduced; and
• Physical activity lacking.

Although not a common factor, it was also found that depression presented itself in 10% of the lung cancer survivors. Knowing these factors, strategies can be implemented to help reduce the chance of developing dyspnea.

Researchers now hope to look into how increasing physical activity and lessening symptoms of depression may or may not impact dyspnea in lung cancer survivors.

If you suffer from lung cancer or any other severe medical condition that prevents you from working, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits. Contact a long-term disability attorney who can help you determine eligibility.

The long-term disability attorneys at the Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg have experience with cross examining medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your case. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.