It is not simple to understand all the figures about the lung cancer survival rate.
You have to understand how these figures are put together and what exactly they represent.
All the figures you see may not be exactly what you think since there are many factors that influence how the lung cancer survival rates are determined.
The Fundamentals
Lung Cancer Survival Rate statements refer to a group of people suffering from one specific type of lung cancer, at a certain stage.
Survival statistics may also indicate rates for people suffering from lung cancer at any stage of the disease.
No matter if the person still has cancer or is in remission, usually the statistics relate to the survival rate after 5 years.
It is important that you understand these statistics are based upon a large group and are averages. They can predict what the survival rate will be for any particular person, as every case is different.
Survival Rate Factors
As I have written above that, many things influence the lung cancer survival rate statistics. Below are some factors that can alter survival rates area:
* The stage
* Type of cancer
* Signs present
* The date of diagnosis
When a doctor gives patient information on the possible outcome of their diagnosis, it is based upon a general idea of what happens in the average case.
It is really an estimate and not an exact science.
The Average of Lung Cancer Survival Rate
The average Lung Cancer Survival Rate for those diagnosed with early stage lung cancer is 49%. This means that 49 out of 100 people live for at least 5 years after diagnosis.
A person who were diagnosed with lung cancer and has spread have only a 3% of survival rate or only 3 out of 100 people live for at least 5 years after diagnosis.
How to Use Survival Rates
Now that you understand, what Lung Cancer Survival Rate statistics means you can begin to understand how they may be used.
The most common use is to help patients understand what lies ahead for them in dealing with the disease and the possibility of their death.
Anne Durrel comes from Stockton, California. She has written a number of articles on Lung Cancer . Please also check out her other guide on lung cancer survival rate tips, and small cell cancer guide!