Survival rates for Cancer

[ruby27]

Does anyone know why the survival rates for cancer are based on 5 years.

Is it that after 5 years you are considered to be free from a re occurrence - or is there another reason?

Thanks if you can help, I didn't think to ask and can not find an explanation on the internet.

[Theland1]

I suppose the bean counters came up with this.
Statistics and probability theory.

[Curly13]

I know the drugs they give you afterwards is normally a five year course, so maybe it has something to do with once you have finished them you are at a much lower risk of the cancer returning?

[Theland1]

But isn't sometimes, a case of, "ignorance is bliss?"

[ruby27]

I have been on Cancer UK and other reputable sites, it is just I can not find the answer.

Its just I have a bit of a panic about what happens after 5 years. I am quite happy at the likelihood of surviving 5 years but less confident about my future after 5 years. I want to read somewhere that after 5 years I don't really have to worry!!

[ruby27]

Sorry cleversod should have said thank you for your suggestions.

Theland, no ignorance is not bliss in my case, my early detection hugely influences my life chances. I want to know that if there is any chance of re occurrence, I am on the look out, so I can mobilise treatment.

[MrXLA]

Not my exact area of expertise but lets say for instance you were describing a tumour/cancer/malignancy that had a 50% (***not all do some much lower some much higher just giving an example) mortality rate at 5 years. One way of interpretating that would simply be to say that if you are unfortunate enough to have that particular type of malignancy you would have a 1 in 2 chance of being alive in 5 years.
However since the mortality rate is for 5 years it does not describe anything beyond 5 years i.e. it does not indicate in any way mortality rates at 6,7,8, 9 years etc...
There are mortality rates for 10 years, 15 years etc.. however.
NB - depending on the type of cancer of course, they cannot really describe a recurrence because they are simply stating the liklihood of being alive at 5 years not 'cancer free'.

[ruby27]

MrXLA

Thank you. The information I have read is that there is a 90% chance of survival at 5 years. So I have worked out unless I am terribly unlucky and in the 10%, I am here for the next 5. I didn't ask when I saw the Dr so my data is internet based only. I realise that there is pitfalls in this type of research, but for some strange reason cancer and survival rates seem to be a topic that is somewhat absorbing at present.

[Robinia]

ruby, I think a fair bit depends on the type of cancer but I'm not sure that anyone will ever say you no longer have anything to worry about, no matter how long you survive. I've survived for over 20 years despite being given very little chance by the doctors (unknown to me at the time). All they said after 5 yrs was that there was less chance & after 10 yrs that I would be very unlucky if have a recurrance. (understatement!) Of course there's no guarantee that I, or anyone, might develop another type at some point.

Try not to dwell on what might happen - but we all do it sometimes on low days - look after yourself, & without becoming paranoid check for anything unusual happening to your body. All the best for a healthy future. x

[ruby27]

Robinia

You are right of course I realise I can not have 100% gurantee but as I am still reeling in shock as the diagnosis was only this week, I am thinking too much about the matter. I am sure that I will regain a more even keel and get the matter into a better perspective.

Thanks for you input and best wishes to you as well.

[Robinia]

goodness ruby, no wonder you're in turmoil, I wrongly assumed you'd had treatment & were wondering "what now?".
All I can say is take one day at a time, concentrate on staying strong & getting well, I hope you've got friends & family although it's not always easy to talk to them I know. These days there are (supposed to be) specially trained nurses & counsellors, don't be afraid to ask to speak them about your concerns, and find forums with people who are going through the same thing. If only I'd had the internet!

Take care, & wishing you every success with your treatment x

*in my previous post I should have written won't develop another type at some point.