If we see that the survival rate of cancer is 98%, that means for every 100 people who get that type of cancer, and at that specific stage, 98 are still alive five years later.
The survival rate clearly depends not only on the type of cancer but also on its stage. If the tumor is located in a specific area and has not spread to other organs, the survival rate is usually very high. Instead, when it metastasizes, the rate drops to the point where the probability of death is greater than the probability of survival. That’s why early detection is important, visit the doctor periodically for routine tests and examine our bodies to spot any signs that something is wrong.
Survival Rates For The Most Common Types Of Cancer
We know that there are over 200 types of cancer, but many are considered rare because their incidence is so low. These often have a lower survival rate because they are more difficult to detect (the person is not expected to suffer from it) and therefore treatments often come when it is too late.
But of the 18 million diagnosed cases, about 13 million are one of the 20 most common types. And because they’re common, they’re often quicker to detect and treat, so survival rates are higher.
We present the list below and present the survival rate for each, in addition to explaining the nature of the cancer (ordered from highest to lowest incidence). The 5-year survival rate appears in the title. assuming that it is detected when localized to a particular organ or tissue and does not metastasize.
Lung Cancer Survival Rates
Lung cancer is by far the most dangerous type. Not only because it is the most common (2 million new cases diagnosed each year), but also because it has a very low survival rate. Cancer kills the most. Only 60 of every 100 people diagnosed with the disease are still alive after 5 years. And when found. If it starts to spread beyond the lungs, the survival rate drops to 33%. And if it has metastasized to vital organs, the rate is 6%.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most feared diseases due to its high incidence in women and reaching more than 2 million cases worldwide each year. However, if the cancer has not spread beyond the breast and is treated early with surgery, the survival rate is 99%. If it spreads outside the breast, it decreases up to 85%. As can be seen, if detected on time, 99 out of 100 women survive. If the problem has metastasized to vital organs, this rate drops to 27%.
Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer is cancer that develops in the cells of the large intestine (colon) and can reach the rectum. Worldwide, 1.8 million new cases are diagnosed each year. However, if it is detected before it has spread outside the colon or rectum, the survival rate is 90%. If extended to surrounding structures, it drops to 71%. And if it is distant, that is, if it metastasizes to vital organs, the rate is 14%.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a male-only cancer because it develops in prostate cells, a gland that produces seminal fluid. Despite this, 1.2 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Fortunately, it is one of the cancers with the highest survival rate. Whether localized or spread to surrounding areas, the survival rate is close to 100%. The death rate is very low. Of course, if it has metastasized to vital organs, the survival rate drops to 30%.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a cancer that develops in basal and squamous cells of the epidermis, but not in melanocytes. It usually develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin, and more than 1 million cases are diagnosed annually. If detected early and treated quickly with surgery, the survival rate is over 98%. If the problem is not diagnosed in time and given a time to spread, if it reaches nearby structures or metastasizes to vital organs, the survival rate is 64% and 23%, respectively.
Gastric Cancer
Stomach cancer is cancer that develops in the mucus-producing cells lining the stomach. About 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year in the world, and it is one of the deadliest conditions such as the lung. Even if only found in the stomach, only 68 out of 100 people are alive after five years. If it extends to surrounding structures, the rate is reduced to 31%. But when it metastasizes to vital organs, only 5 out of 100 survive.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a cancer that develops in the liver cells, and 840,000 new cases are diagnosed worldwide each year. It has the highest mortality rate from this list. Even when localized, only 31 out of 100 survive. And if it spreads, the chances are much lower. If you are around, the rate is already only 11%; but it is only 2% if it reaches vital organs.
Esophageal Cancer
570,000 new cases of esophageal cancer are diagnosed each year and also have a low survival rate. When localized, the rate is 47%. If it spreads to surrounding structures, the survival rate drops to 25%. And up to 5% if it has metastasized to vital organs.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is apparently unique to women, as it develops in cells in the lower part of the uterus that attach to the vagina. Despite this, 569,000 new cases are diagnosed each year worldwide. Fortunately, the survival rate is still high. If found, 92 out of 100 women diagnosed with STIs will still be alive five years later. If it is extended to surrounding structures, the rate drops to 56%. And if it has metastasized to vital organs, up to 17%.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is cancer that develops in the cells of the thyroid gland, an endocrine (hormone-producing) gland located in the neck. 567,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Fortunately, its survival rate is one of the highest. If it is localized or spread to surrounding structures, its rate is close to 100%. Even if it has metastasized, its survival rates are still relatively high compared to the others: 78%.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is cancer that develops in the cells of the bladder, the organ where urine is stored. 549,000 cases are diagnosed worldwide each year. Unfortunately, it has a low survival rate. Even if localized, it is 69%. 35% if it extends to surrounding structures. And if it has metastasized, only 5%.
Non-Hochkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system and affects the immune system. 509,000 cases are diagnosed worldwide each year. Whether localized or spread to surrounding structures, the survival rate is 72%. Even with metastases, the chance of survival is relatively high: 55%.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that develops in the pancreas, an organ that synthesizes and releases enzymes to facilitate digestion, as well as hormones that regulate blood sugar. 458,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, it is one of the poorer survival rates. Even localized, only 34 out of 100 patients survive. If expanded to surrounding structures, the rate is reduced to 12%. And if it has metastasized, up to 3%.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that develops in blood cells. Worldwide, 437,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Survival of this cancer depends on several factors, so the data are not very representative. It can vary between 35% and 90% depending on the condition of the disease and the health and age of the person. From leukemia to the present, leukemia is a curable cancer.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is a cancer that develops in kidney cells. Worldwide, 403,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Fortunately, there is a good prognosis, with a 93% survival rate if localized. If it spreads to surrounding areas, 70%. But if it has metastasized, 12%.
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is a cancer that develops in the cells of the uterus. 382,000 new cases are diagnosed each year around the world. Fortunately, it has a good prognosis. If localized, survival is 96%. 70% if spread to surrounding structures. Of course, if it has metastasized, it drops to 18%.
Mouth Cancer
Oral cancer is a cancer that develops in the cells of the oral cavity. Globally, 354,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. If diagnosed when localized, the survival rate is 84%. If it extends to surrounding structures, it is 65%. And if it has metastasized, 39%.
Central Nervous System Cancer
Central nervous system cancer develops in the structures of the nervous system, especially in the brain. Every year, 296,000 new cases are diagnosed. However, survival is highly dependent on the cells affected, the location of the tumor, and the age of the person. Therefore, the survival rate ranges from a very good 92% prognosis to very serious conditions with a survival probability of only 6%.
Ovarian Cancer
295,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year. When localized, the survival rate is 92%. The problem is, it’s usually detected when it spreads to nearby structures, when the rate is already 75%. If it metastasizes, the rate drops to 30%.
Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer develops in the cells of the organ that stores bile, a liquid that aids digestion. 219,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, it has a low survival rate of 61%. If extended, the rate drops to 26%; but if it metastasizes, the survival rate is only 2%.
