Killer cancer doesn’t always win. A growing aging population, early detection, improved diagnostic methods, more effective treatment, and improved clinical follow-up after treatment are all significant factors. There were 3 million cancer survivors in 1971 and 9.8 million in 2001. The number of cancer survivors in the United States increased to 11.7 million in 2007.
What really does “cancer survival” mean? A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the balance of his or her life. According to the Mayo Clinic, cancer survival rates or survival statistics tell you the percentage of people who survive a certain type of cancer for a specific amount of time. Cancer statistics often use an overall five year survival rate.
For example, the overall five year survival rate for prostate cancer is 98%. That means that of all men diagnosed with prostate cancer, 98 of every 100 were living five years after diagnosis. Conversely, two out of every 100 died of prostate cancer within five years.
For the purpose of this recent report, among all survivors, 4.7 million received their diagnosis 10 or more years earlier.
Cancer survival rates are based on research that comes from information gathered on hundreds or thousands of people with cancer. An overall survival rate includes people of all ages and health conditions diagnosed with your cancer, including those diagnosed very early and those diagnosed very late.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. states:
“It’s good news that so many are surviving cancer and leading long, productive, and healthy lives. Preventing cancer and detecting it early remain critically important as some cancers can be prevented or detected early enough to be effectively treated. Not smoking, getting regular physical activity, eating healthy foods, and limiting alcohol use can reduce the risk of many cancers.”
Women make up a large proportion of cancer survivors, counting for 54%, and accordingly, breast cancer survivors are the largest group of cancer survivors at 22% followed by prostate cancer survivors (19%) and colorectal cancer survivors (10%).
Arica White, Ph.D., M.P.H., an epidemic intelligence service officer in CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control continues:
“As the number of cancer survivors continues to increase, it is important for medical and public health professionals to be knowledgeable of issues survivors may face, especially the long-term effects of treatment on their physical and psychosocial well-being. This understanding is critical in promoting good health and coordinating comprehensive care for cancer survivors.”
Statistics can also show how people with your same cancer type and stage respond to treatment. One can use this information, along with personal goals for treatment, to weigh the pros and cons of each option. For instance, if two treatments give similar chances for remission, but one has more side effects, a person might choose the option with fewer side effects.
Julia H. Rowland, Ph.D, Director of The National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Survivorship concludes:
“There are now a growing number of people who have faced a cancer diagnosis which affects them and their loved ones from the time of diagnosis through the rest of their lives. Unfortunately for many cancer survivors and those around them, the effect of cancer does not end with the last treatment. Research has allowed us to scratch the surface of understanding the unique risks, issues, and concerns of this population. This report underscores the need for continued research, as well as for the development and implementation of best practices to provide optimal care and support for all cancer survivors.”
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Written by Sy Kraft, B.A.