Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. It is caused by uncontrolled cell growth in the lung tissues.
Unfortunately, Black men experience the highest rates of lung cancer. Members of the Black community are developing NSCLC earlier in life and presenting with more advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. In the United States, people of color living with lung cancer face worse outcomes, and have lower five-year survival rates than their white counterparts. Black Americans are 15% less likely to receive an early diagnosis, 19% less likely to undergo surgery for cancer treatment, and 11% more likely to not receive treatment at all.
Smoking, exposure to environmental pollutants, and genetics are common risk factors. Because lung cancer is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages, treatment options are often limited. Despite advances in treatment options, ongoing research is needed to help improve lung cancer outcomes. General lung cancer symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexpected weight loss.
SCLC vs NSCLC
According to the American Lung Association, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are the two main types of lung cancer. NSCLC is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for 85% of all lung cancer cases. Other rare forms of lung cancer include carcinoid tumors and sarcomatoid carcinomas.
Small cell carcinoma and combined small cell carcinoma are the two different types of SCLC. Adenocarcinoma (found in the lung exterior), squamous cell carcinoma (found in the center of the lung), and large cell carcinoma (may occur in any part of the lung) are the three types of NSCLC. Both cancer types have different characteristics that influence how they are diagnosed, how they are treated, and the expected prospect of recovery.
Both types of cancer have similar symptoms, causes, and risk factors. Understanding how lung cancer types are similar and different helps ensure the treatment plan is appropriate and specific.
Common Differences
| Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) | Small Cell Carcinoma (SCLC) |
| Tends to grow more slowly and less likely to spread early on | Typically grows and spreads more quickly and aggressively with high growth rate |
| Staging includes four stages determined by the extent of the disease | Staging is usually only defined as limited or extensive (spread outside of the lung) |
| Treatment varies based on cancer specifics. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and/or immunotherapy may be used | Treatment usually involves chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery is usually not a primary treatment option |
| Outlook can vary based on the cancer stage and patient-specific factors | Diagnosis usually occurs at advanced stage with a less favorable outlook |
African Americans and NSCLC
Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by lung cancer. Research has found that Black patients often have poorer survival rates after being diagnosed with NSCLC. Increasing awareness about lung cancer and available treatment options can help address lung cancer disparities.
Ongoing lung cancer research aims to improve outcomes for people of color and other populations affected by lung cancer, and increasing minority participation plays an important role. You may be eligible to participate in clinical research and the discovery of potential treatment options for people living with NSCLC.
Click to learn more and ask your healthcare provider about clinical trial research for NSCLC patients.
References:
- Lung Cancer Research Foundation. Facts About Lung Cancer.
- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Lung Cancer.
- American Lung Association. Types of Lung Cancer.
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. Lung Cancer – Non-Small Cell.
- Net Lung Cancer-Non Small Cell Statistics
