understanding and improving the medicine response rate in the Black population to treat lung cancer.
4. Irregular treatment regimens
Continuity is the key to success and it is more relevant when it comes to treating a devastating disease like lung cancer. Several scientific studies have indicated that an irregular treatment procedure has been a bottleneck to the successful treatment of lung cancer. Several factors contribute to this disparity. There has been a general distrust between people of color and their health service providers. Black people are referred less for advanced treatment options, to a specialist, for surgery, or access to expensive medications.
Also, it has been pointed out that Black patients take more time to develop confidence in their doctors than their white counterparts. This leads to a disruption in the treatment of lung cancer eventually causing the cancer to reach advanced stages making the cancer resistant to many medicines. More awareness is needed to encourage a continued treatment program for lung cancer in the Black population. To attain this important objective more and more participation of patient advocates is required.
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5. Socio-economic factors
In a recent study published by the American Lung Association, there is a significant disparity in the coverage of medical care in the United States. More than 15 million Black people are still not insured for healthcare causing them to feel restricted from getting medical attention and care for many diseases including lung cancer.
The government should walk the extra mile to ensure affordable medical care to underprivileged populations, which are mostly Black. Also, Black people are more resilient in suppressing milder ailments. This leads to avoiding the symptoms of the onset of lung cancer. An early diagnosis can prevent the loss of life due to lung cancer in the Black population.
Conclusion
If detected early, lung cancer can be treated successfully. Black people should not ignore lung-related discomfort and seek immediate medical help and more importantly follow-ups. This will help doctors if you have lung cancer and start treatment if needed. Also, outreach should be improved for better representation of the Black population in the clinical trials for new lung cancer medicines.