Lung Cancer Survival Rates and What They Mean

Like all cancers, lung cancer is a complex disease, with each individual case being unique and different. The outcome of each person is unpredictable, making it difficult to provide accurate information about their survival. However, population-wide studies can estimate the likelihood of survival for people diagnosed with lung cancer. These studies provide estimates of survival rates over a 5-year period, allowing us to understand the potential outcomes for lung cancer patients.

It is important to keep in mind that these estimates are based on previous outcomes of people with the same subtypes and stages of lung cancer. While they are not definitive, understanding their lung cancer survival rate can help patients and their loved ones make informed decisions about what lies ahead.

It definitely does not mean you have five years left to live. The five-year relative survival rate is

• a statistical measure, based on large numbers of people, used in cancer research
• used to estimate the percentage of people with a specific type and stage of cancer who are likely to survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis, compared to the general population

The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports the 5-year relative survival rates for lung cancer in the United States every year. According to ACS, the 5-year survival rate for localized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is 65%. This means that people with this type of lung cancer have about a 65% chance of surviving for at least 5 years after being diagnosed, relative to the general population.

The 5-year relative survival rate DOES NOT provide information about the individual's specific prognosis or life expectancy. Individual outcomes can vary widely based on various factors, including the specific characteristics of the cancer, the individual's overall health, the effectiveness of treatments, and other variables.

The 5-year relative survival rate is invaluable for researchers and doctors when comparing treatments or other interventions that help improve survival. This information may help you understand the potential severity of cancer, but not your particular situation. The doctor who assesses you regularly has more comprehensive understanding of your overall health.

The lung cancer survival rate reported by the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program categorizes lung cancer into three classifications:

• Localized – equivalent to stage 1 cancer
• Regional – equivalent to stage 2 and 3 cancer
• Distant – equivalent to stage 4 cancer

When describing the cancer stage, doctors sometimes use terms like localized, regional or locally advanced, distant and metastatic. These stages are broader classifications compared to the TNM staging system.

The SEER database's 5-year survival rate applies only to when the cancer is first diagnosed. They do not apply later on when the cancer progresses, metastasizes, or recurs after treatment.

These survival rates are categorized based on how far the cancer has spread. Other factors that can affect your survival include:

• age
• gender
• functional status - what you are able and unable to do in your everyday life
• smoking status
• comorbidity
• gene alterations that drive your cancer
• the specific subtype of lung cancer, such as SCLC, NSCLC, lung adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and others
• how well the cancer responds to treatment

These numbers track people diagnosed between 2012 and 2018. Lung cancer treatments have advanced a lot since then, providing optimism for lung cancer patients. Currently, individuals with lung cancer may have a better outlook than these numbers indicate. These statistics also highlight the importance of early detection and prompt treatment for lung cancer.

Related: What type of lung cancer do I have?