Lung Cancer usually starts in the lining of the bronchi, but may also develop in the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli. The main risk factors for lung cancer are smoking, lung scarring from other diseases and family history. Lung cancer can take years to develop but once it occurs, the cancer cells can break away and spread to other organs, a condition known as metastasis. Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease because it often spreads this way before it is found. Lung cancer has the following two main types:
1. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – 20% of all lung cancers and is mainly caused by smoking
2. Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – the main type of lung cancer and is divided into the following three subtypes:
| 1. Squamous cell carcinoma – found centrally, near bronchus and is linked with a history of smoking |
| 2. Adenocarcinoma – found in the outer region of the lung |
| 3. Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma – can appear in any part of the lung and tends to grow and spread rapidly |
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is divided into two stages: limited and extensive. In limited stage SCLC, the cancer is limited to one side of the lung and can treated. In extensive stage SCLC, the cancer has spread to both lungs and to the distant organs. Unfortunately, extensive stage SCLC does not have a cure. Early detection is difficult and most people are not diagnosed with small cell lung cancer until the extensive stage.
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is categorized into four stages. In the earlier stages, lung cancer is treatable through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The five-year survival rate for early stage lung cancer is 48%. However, most lung cancer is not found until the later stages.
The overall five-year survival rate for all stages of lung cancer combined is only 15%.
Whether you have been diagnosed with extensive stage SCLC or NSCLC, you and your loved ones may be facing some tough end-of-life care decisions. The last thing that either you or your loved ones need to be worried about is money. Unfortunately, parts of your end-of-life care may not be covered by your health insurance.
Emerald Funding can help! Lung cancer patients can sell their existing life insurance policy for cash. Our staff works side-by-side with you and your loved ones to get the highest price when selling your life insurance policy. Your life insurance policy pays cash now so that you can enjoy your time with your family and loved ones.
Let Emerald Funding help you today!
Call 1-800-381-6194 or email us today for more information on how to turn your life insurance policy into cash!
*(National Cancer Society – Cancer Facts & Figures 2002)