The Office of Cancer Survivorship at the National Cancer Institute says the survival rate of cancer are continuing to increase dramatically - 64% of adults and 80% of children should survive more than five years. Furthermore, the quality of life for survivors is also improving. 70% of cancer patients are aged 50 to 85. The five year survival rate for this age group has increased from 43% in 1975 to 64% in 1997. Over 75% of children under 15 can expect to live for more than 10 years after diagnosis. The improvements are due to earlier diagnosis, better and more specific drugs and improved technology. 14% of cancer survivors have remained in remission for more than 20 years. Long term remission is most common in patients with breast cancer (22%), prostate cancer (17%), colon or rectal cancer (11%), and cervical or uterine cancer (10%). The five year survival rate of prostate cancer sufferers has improved from 43% in 1950 to 99% today. The improved survival rate means that greater focus needs to be put on quality of life of survivors and even on health record maintenance and accessibility over lengthy periods of time.
Source: summary of medical news story as reported by Health Day - Yahoo News
About: Cancer survival rates improving dramatically
Date: 2 December 2004
Source: Health Day - Yahoo News
Author: E.J. Mundell
URL:
http:/ This summary article refers to the following medical categories:
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Related Medical Topics
» Next page: Cancer treatments often too expensive for many
Rate This Website
Medical Tools & Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
