Boehringer Ingelheim study shows life impact of lung cancer

Boehringer Ingelheim has presented the findings of a new study that shows how patients and carers struggle to cope with the challenges of living with lung cancer.

Conducted alongside the Global Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC) and presented at the World Conference on Lung Cancer in Denver, the Lung Cancer: We're Listening online survey looked at the priorities and difficulties faced by lung cancer patients and their caregivers.

Polling 725 individuals, it was found that 64 percent of patients and 55 percent of carers see daily life challenges such as emotional and social issues as more significant than medical care challenges like diagnosis and treatment planning.

It was shown that 19 percent of respondents said they were affected by challenges such as expressing and sharing feelings, dealing with stigma and developing coping strategies, making this the most prevalent category of daily life challenges.

The survey also revealed that 56.2 percent of respondents desire more information related to the challenges they face, while 25.5 percent require a lot of help or support from either a professional or caregiver.

Dr Jorg Barth, corporate senior vice-president and therapy area head for oncology at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "We will continue to support the ongoing work of the GLCC to improve the lives of patients with lung cancer, ensuring their needs are at the heart of a holistic approach to care."