Despite significant strides in cancer detection and treatment, cancer remains a scary word. It’s certainly scarier than hearing you have a chronic condition. But the truth is that this potentially deadly disease, in many cases, can often be put in the same category as other manageable illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes.
An increasing number of people are surviving for more than five years after being diagnosed with almost all major types of cancer, according to the latest data provided by the American Cancer Society. But the improvement has been uneven across the different types of the disease. Some forms of the illness have survival rates that have more than quadrupled since the late 1970s, while others have seen little progress.
To identify the cancers with the highest survival rates, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data on 5-year relative survival rates for various types of cancer for the years 2012-2018 from the American Cancer Society’s “Cancer Facts and Figures 2023,” which was released in January 2023. Rates are adjusted for normal life expectancy and are based on cases diagnosed in the 1975 to 1977, 1995 to 1997, and 2012- 2018 time frames. All cases were followed through 2019.
The higher survival rates are largely due to several factors, including early detection and better treatment. Early detection, especially for some cancers such as of the prostate, is crucial to increase the chance of survival. Prostate cancer is one of the most aggressive types but it can be detected with a blood test. (Here are 20 early and common symptoms that can be a sign of cancer.)
Treatment options have been revolutionized. While a few decades ago surgery and chemotherapy were the main kinds of medical care cancer patients got, now they have many more options, including immunotherapy, targeted drugs, hormone therapy, and radiation therapies.
In most cases, the prognosis of cancers with historically high rates of survival past the fifth year since a confirmed diagnosis continues to improve. Other cancers, such as of the liver or pancreas, also have significantly increased rates of survival, even though overall they are still low. For example, about 12% of patients with pancreatic cancer are expected to be alive after five years of treatment, but three decades ago, that number was closer to 4%.
A few cancers have a lower rate of survival, though the difference is no more than five percentage points. (Here are the states where deaths from cancer are going up.)
Sponsored: Tips for Investing
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.
