Blacks Less Likely to Undergo Lung Cancer Surgery

By Cecilia Green

Published on January 13, 2006

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among black Americans, according to the American Cancer Society. Recent research tells us that even on a level playing field, blacks are 45 percent less likely than whites to undergo surgery for lung cancer. The study also showed that blacks were slightly less likely to be presented with the option of surgery.

These results have led to questioning of the communication between physicians and their patients. If lung cancer is detected in one of its first two stages, there is a 50 percent chance that treatment will extend a patient's life for at least another five years. Although without treatment, the disease is usually fatal.

The subject will continue to be investigated in future studies. In the meantime, with approximately 15,500 black patients dying of lung cancer in 2005, and an estimated 19,000 being diagnosed with the disease, it is important that patients use all their resources to make an informed decision about treatment. Similarly, physicians should focus not only on treatment options, but also on interaction with patients.

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