Stage 4 Lung Cancer: There's Still Hope

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow. Lung cancer stages refer to the progression of cancer from early to advanced stages. This is critical in determining the best treatment strategy for patients.

What are the Stages of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer stages are classified into five categories: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.

• Stage 0 Lung Cancer

Stage 0 lung cancer is considered early-stage cancer because the cancer cells are only found in the respiratory tract and have not spread to other parts of the lungs. At this stage, the only treatment available is surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, with no further treatment required.

• Stage 1 Lung Cancer

Cancer cells have spread from the respiratory tract to surrounding tissue in stage 1 lung cancer. Patients are usually operated on at this stage to remove the affected part of the lung, and additional treatment such as chemotherapy may be administered.

• Stage 2 Lung Cancer

Stage 2 cancer has spread to nearby lung tissue and may have spread to other lymph nodes. At this stage, treatment usually consists of a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

• Stage 3 Lung Cancer

Stage 3 cancer has spread to additional lymph nodes or nearby organs such as the chest wall or abdomen. Treatment at this stage is determined by the location of the cancer's spread as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

• Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Cancer cells in stage 4 lung cancer have spread to areas other than the lungs, such as the liver, brain, bones or other parts of the body.

Stage 4 lung cancer is further classified into two categories, 4a and 4b.

1.  Stage 4a - Cancer spread is still limited to the lungs or one location outside the lungs in this stage. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are common treatments for this stage.

 2.  Stage 4b - Cancer has spread extensively from the lungs to distant locations such as the brain, liver and bones. The treatment for this stage is aimed at reducing symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life.

Symptoms of Stage 4 Cancer Patients

Stage 4 lung cancer patients usually have severe tumour growth, and the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body. At this stage, patients may experience several symptoms such as:

• Persistent and severe cough with brown or bloody sputum.
• Shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest that may worsen with physical activity.
• Loss of appetite and drastic weight loss.
• Severe headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
• Bone pain, especially in the ribs or pelvis.

Although these symptoms can be chronic, there are treatments that can help reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients.

Can Cancer be Treated?

While patients with stage 4 lung cancer can receive treatment, the goal is to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Standard Therapies

Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted molecular therapy are common treatments. Treatment may also include slowing the progression of the cancer to alleviate symptoms and keep cancer cells from spreading to other organs.

Palliative Medicine

Patients with stage 4 lung cancer can also receive palliative care, which aims to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Palliative care may include pain management, respiratory support and psychological support to alleviate stress and provide emotional support.

Life Expectancy of Stage 4 Cancer Patients

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, statistics on life expectancy for stage 4 lung cancer patients are unavailable due to incomplete and unreliable data.

However, a study conducted in the United States discovered that the majority of stage 4 lung cancer patients live for less than a year after diagnosis.

Facing the Challenge

Stage 4 lung cancer patients face a challenging situation and are at risk of losing their lives. However, with proper care, appropriate treatment and sufficient support, patients may improve their quality of life.

At stage 4, patients with lung cancer require meticulous care. They must adhere to a treatment schedule and have regular check-ups. They must also practise a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking and eating nutritious foods.

Diet Tips for Cancer Patients

Food is an important component of cancer treatment. A healthy and balanced diet can help a patient's immunity, reduce adverse effects of therapy and improve their quality of life.

Here are some diet recommendations for cancer patients:

• Choose nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high-quality proteins such as lean meat and fish.

• Avoid foods that are processed, fatty or caffeinated.

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

• Take easily digestible foods such as porridge and soup.

• Eat small but frequent meals to avoid nausea and vomiting.

• Discuss with a nutritionist to determine the best diet for you.

• Avoid eating raw foods such as sushi, as they may contain harmful bacteria.

• Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.

• Take vitamin and mineral supplements if necessary.

Consult your doctor on what to eat and avoid while undergoing cancer treatment.

Active Cancer Support Groups in Malaysia

Support from family and friends can help cancer patients and can help reduce loneliness and alleviate stress. Here are some of the cancer support groups that are currently active in Malaysia:

• National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) - NCSM provides support to cancer patients and their families through programmes such as counselling assistance, hospice services and family support.

• National Cancer Council Malaysia (MAKNA) -  MAKNA offers monetary support to cancer patients, including medical financing and clinic services.

• Hospis Malaysia - Hospis Malaysia offers hospice care to patients with terminal cancer and other chronic illnesses.

• Malaysian Oncological Society (MOS) - MOS provides support to cancer patients and medical professionals in the field of oncology through programmes such as workshops, seminars and professional training.

• National Cancer Institute (IKN) - IKN is a cancer research institute that provides cancer treatment and care services. They also have research programmess to enhance understanding of cancer and ways to prevent and treat the disease.

Life Must Go On

Lung cancer can be a tough disease to deal with, yet one should not give up hope. You don't have to face these obstacles alone. There are many sources of support and medical professionals ready to help you in your journey to overcome lung cancer. Remember that life must go on, and that you can still have a positive and meaningful journey.