Age-related differences in lung cancer patients' and caregivers' perceptions and challenges: 2025

Background Studies have been conducted looking at aspects of patient experiences with lung cancer, but a comprehensive assessment of how challenges may differ by age of US patients is missing. The Research team within the LungCAN organization conducted this project. LungCAN is a collaborative group of lung cancer advocacy organizations that work together to raise public awareness about the realities of lung cancer. Methods 2055 surveys were sent out with 46% returned (63.39% patients, 45.09% caregivers). The cohort was stratified by age (44 and under vs. 45 and over) to determine if age influenced perspectives in fears or concerns about living with or supporting someone with lung cancer, and challenges faced with medical care or treatment. Chi-square test of independence was used to identify significant differences in fears, concerns, and challenges between age groups. Results Statistical analysis suggested a significant disparity in fears concerning lung cancer between the two cohorts (p-value = 1.24e-09). Major concerns of the younger cohort (≤44) were psychosocial and emotional impact (19.2%) and social stigma (4.4%). The older cohort (≥45) was preoccupied with clinical and practical issues including disease progression and recurrence (24.3%) and insufficient information and support (11.3%). Significant age-based divergence was observed in the challenges faced with medical care and treatment (p-value < 2.2e-16). The cost of care was the predominant concern across participants, but prevalence was substantially higher among participants aged 44 and below (67.3%) compared to the older group (46.9%). The younger cohort viewed transportation as a challenge with significantly greater frequency (41.5% vs. 30.5%) while job related issues were more prominent among the elder cohort (16.9% vs. 9.1%). Conclusions Age reveals differences in how patients and caregivers perceive the challenges associated with lung cancer. Age-sensitive approach to support strategies are warranted. Fears and Challenges faced with living with or supporting someone with lung cancer. Total N (%) N (%) N (%) Total 842* (%) 44 and under 364 (%) 45 and over 478 (%) Fears Disease progression & recurrence 149(17.7%) 33(9.1%) 116(24.3%) Death 193(22.9%) 98(26.9%) 95(19.9%) Physical Symptoms, Side Effects, and QOL 177(21.0%) 79(21.7%) 98(20.5%) Emotional & Psychological Impact 128(15.2%) 70(19.2%) 58(12.1%) Financial & Emotional Impact on Family 155(18.4%) 70(19.2%) 85(17.8%) Inadequate Information and Lack of Support Systems 69(8.2%) 15(4.1%) 54(11.3%) Social Stigma & Isolation 30(3.6%) 16(4.4%) 14(2.9%) Challenges Transportation to and from appointments 297(35.3%) 151(41.5%) 146(30.5%) Cost of care and payment 469(55.7%) 245(67.3%) 224(46.9%) Scheduling issues 270(32.1%) 117(32.1%) 153(32.0%) Access to trials or alternative therapies 293(34.8%) 132(36.3%) 161(33.7%) Language Barriers 76(9.0%) 50(13.7%) 26(5.4%) Availability of treatments in my geographic area 168(20.0%) 79(21.7%) 89(18.6%) Job related issues 114(13.5%) 33(9.1%) 81(16.9%) Other 112(13.3%) 6(1.6%) 106(22.2%) *The participants include patients, their close and extended family members, and staff from health care providers.