Medical professionals who refer to a patient’s survival rate are typically referring to the five-year survival rate, which is the percentage of patients living five years after their cancer diagnosis. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, they are often informed of the cancer’s average survival rates and are reminded that such figures may not predict any one patient’s length of survival.
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for mesothelioma is approximately 10 percent. Medical reports indicate the average survival time for mesothelioma patients ranges between four and 18 months. Because this cancer is not common, it can be difficult to pinpoint survival rates based on the stage of development at diagnosis. In general, survival rates are improved if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage of development.
Figures from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Cancer Statistics Review offer a more in-depth look as they break down survival rates by race, sex and age at diagnosis. The five-year relative survival rate from 1996 to 1998 was 10.5 percent, which dropped to 7.7 percent between the years of 1999 to 2005. Overall, females and African Americans tend to have an increased survival rate. A patient’s age at diagnosis also has a large impact on the survival rate; with survival rates increasing the younger a patient is diagnosed.
It is important to emphasize that these figures are derived from patients treated several years ago and advancements in mesothelioma treatment may improve survival rates for those now being diagnosed with the cancer.
A number of factors can affect survival rates, including:
Survival statistics may be utilized as a general guide, but considering the multitude of factors that vary from patient to patient, such statistics certainly do not represent or predict any one patient’s experience. Insight into a particular patient’s prognosis and whether survival rates may apply to them is best achieved through a physician who can assess the risk factors involved in their specific case.
Aggressive treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation can sometimes prolong the life of a mesothelioma patient, but this varies from case to case. A number of clinical trials have produced increased survival rates among participants, while other trials observe no change in the survival rate.
A fighting factor that seems common to the success of many pleural mesothelioma survivors is the inclusion of alternative and complimentary therapies to compliment their traditional treatment approach. Such alternative therapies aim to improve the patient’s well being or immune system and may include acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga or nutritional supplementation. To learn more about traditional and alternative treatment options, please fill out the form on this page to receive a complimentary informational packet in the mail.
Pleural mesothelioma patients and their loved ones may feel discouraged when reading survival statistics, but it is important to remember that research and clinical trials are being conducted across the globe to improve these rates. Advancements in treatment and new options made available through clinical trials are offering much hope to mesothelioma patients and their families. Though statistics may offer a poor prognosis, many physicians and studies are reporting patients who survive significantly longer than predicted survival rates.
If you would like to speak to one of our Patient Advocates about treatment options that may increase your survival rate or improve your quality of life, please call 1-800-ASBESTOS.
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© 2010 PleuralMesothelioma.com | Last Modified Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 | | Editorial Staff | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
