The presence of comorbidities increased the risk for mortality among patients with lung cancer, particularly among those with localized disease, according to findings from a retrospective study.
Comorbid conditions can worsen lung cancer survival — the 5-year rate of which is only 17% — by complicating diagnostic evaluation and leading to less accurate disease staging, according to study background.
The comorbidities analyzed included myocardial infraction, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, chronic pulmonary disease, connective tissue disease, peptic ulcer disease, mild liver disease, diabetes (with and without complications), paraplegia/hemiplegia, renal disease, and moderate or severe liver disease.
Comorbidities Increase Risk for Lung Cancer Mortality
