When people are diagnosed with cancer, one of their first questions is often about their chances of survival. While there are many factors that influence survival, including the type and stage of cancer, doctors often use survival rates to provide some insight. Survival rates are statistics that describe what happens to large groups of people with the same type and stage of cancer.

A cancer survival rate typically refers to the percentage of people who are still alive a certain amount of time after their diagnosis. The most common measure is the five-year relative survival rate, which estimates the percentage of people who will be alive five years after being diagnosed with a specific type of cancer, excluding those who die from other causes. For example, if the five-year survival rate for a certain cancer is 77%, that means 77 out of every 100 people diagnosed with that cancer are expected to be alive five years later.

It’s important to remember that these statistics are general estimates based on large populations and past data. They don’t account for recent advances in treatment or individual differences in health, response to treatment or other personal factors. Therefore, while survival rates can provide some context, they cannot definitively predict what will happen in an individual case. It’s best to discuss your specific situation with your healthcare professional, who can provide more tailored information.

A primary treatment is the initial and main approach used to eliminate cancer from your body, aiming to remove the tumor or kill all cancer cells. Surgery is a common form of primary treatment for many cancers, but depending on the type and response of the cancer, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be used as the primary treatment. This first-line or induction therapy is often considered the best treatment option and may be part of a standard regimen that could include additional therapies like chemotherapy or radiation if needed. If the primary treatment doesn’t fully cure the cancer or causes severe side effects, other treatments may be added or used instead.

Neoadjuvant treatment is the initial therapy given to shrink or reduce a tumor before the primary treatment, usually surgery, is performed. This approach can make the main treatment more effective or easier to carry out. Common types of neoadjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy, all of which aim to decrease the tumor size or impact prior to the primary intervention. Neoadjuvant therapy is a type of induction therapy.

Adjuvant treatment is an additional cancer therapy given after the primary treatment to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Its goal is to eliminate any remaining cancer cells that may persist after the initial treatment. Adjuvant therapy can involve various methods, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or biological therapy. By targeting residual cancer cells, adjuvant therapy aims to lower the chances of the cancer coming back.

When it comes to treating cancer, there are several options available and you may undergo one or more of these treatments depending on your specific situation. Each treatment comes with its own benefits, side effects and risks, and you will work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is best suited for you.

Your cancer treatment options may include:

• Surgery: Surgery involves the removal or repair of part of your body to diagnose, treat or alleviate symptoms of cancer. It can be used to remove tumors or affected tissue and is often a primary treatment for many types of cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses powerful medications to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is a systemic treatment, meaning it can reach cancer cells wherever they are located, not just at the original tumor site.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA. It is typically used to target a specific area, such as a tumor or the surrounding tissue, to prevent the cancer from returning.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts your body’s own immune system to fight cancer. It can either enhance your natural defenses or work alongside them to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is used for cancers that rely on hormones to grow, such as certain breast or prostate cancers. It works by reducing the production of these hormones or blocking the cancer’s ability to use them.
• Stem Cell, Blood and Marrow Transplant, Hematopoietic Cell Transplant or Bone Marrow Transplant: This treatment replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells, which can help regenerate the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.

Cancer research is continually evolving, and new treatments are constantly being developed. It’s essential to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific type and stage of cancer.

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There are a wide variety of chemotherapy drugs, but typically they work in a similar way – by interfering with how cancer cells develop and grow. Most chemotherapy drugs are systemic treatments, meaning that they affect cells throughout the body.

Since many chemotherapies are typically given intravenously over a period of time, patients usually receive chemotherapy at regular scheduled time at a cancer care center.  The length of time of an individual infusion varies depending on the treatment and can range from 15 minutes to 8 hours.

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Your body’s immune system is designed to deal with allergens, viruses and anything that might negatively affect your body. If your immune system finds a cancer cell, it will generally try to destroy it. However, cancer cells can move and grow quickly, making it difficult for your body to keep up.

Immunotherapy trains your own immune system to find cancer cells and destroy them.  You can think of this as harnessing your infection fighting cells to fight cancers.

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It is natural to feel that you should start cancer treatment right away after being diagnosed, but the timing of your treatment can vary depending on several factors. While some cancers require immediate treatment, such as certain aggressive types like leukemias, lymphomas or tumors pressing on vital organs, others may allow for a delay. 

In some cases, treatment might need to start quickly to address fast-growing or life-threatening conditions. However, for other types of cancer that don’t progress as rapidly, there may be time to carefully plan your treatment. This could involve waiting for lab results that will guide the best treatment approach, allowing time for recovery from surgery or making necessary adjustments at home or work. 

Before beginning treatment, your healthcare team needs to gather as much information as possible about your cancer through various tests. Although the waiting period can be challenging, understanding that this time is used to develop the most effective treatment plan can be reassuring. Your doctor can explain how these test results will shape your treatment and assure you that this planning time should not negatively impact the effectiveness of your treatment.

With our affiliation with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a global leader in oncology research, patients at SCRIOP have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials that provide access to innovative and cutting-edge treatments.

Clinical trials are crucial for determining whether new treatments, drugs or procedures offer better outcomes for specific cancers or present new options for previously untreatable conditions. By participating in these trials, patients at SCRI Oncology Partners can benefit from the latest advancements in cancer care.

We’re proud of our contributions to pivotal research and our team of internationally-renowned physicians have played a significant role in the approval of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA.

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Supporting someone with cancer can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure how to help. Here are some thoughtful ways to make a meaningful difference:

1. Be Present and Listen: Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is simply be there. Sit with your loved one, listen to their concerns and offer a shoulder to lean on. Avoid giving advice unless asked and respect their need for quiet moments. Just being present can provide immense comfort.
2. Help with Daily Tasks: Cancer treatment can be exhausting, and patients often need help with everyday responsibilities. Offer to cook meals, clean the house, mow the lawn, do laundry or take care of other household chores. You can also help with grocery shopping or arrange for grocery delivery. These acts of service can significantly ease their burden.
3. Support the Caregiver: The primary caregiver also needs breaks. Offer to take their place at doctor’s appointments, help with children or pets or simply give them time to relax and recharge. A small gesture, like arranging a massage or a night off, can help them maintain their strength and well-being.
4. Provide Transportation and Company: Offer to drive the patient to and from appointments, and consider accompanying them during checkups and scans. Having a familiar face by their side can reduce anxiety and provide comfort. You can also help by taking notes during appointments to ensure they remember important information.
5. Visit and Stay Connected: A visit from a friend or family member can brighten a patient’s day, especially during long hospital stays. Keep your visits brief to avoid tiring them out, but be there when they need company. Staying connected through calls, texts or emails is also crucial; consider setting up a phone chain among friends to regularly check in on them.
6. Make Their Environment Comfortable: If the patient is away from home for treatment, help make their temporary living space more comfortable by bringing familiar items like bed sheets, pillows or family photos. Creating a cozy environment can help them feel more at ease.
7. Give Thoughtful Gifts: A self-care gift bag with items like unscented lotion, fuzzy socks, lip balm or a journal can encourage them to take care of themselves during treatment. These small comforts can make a big difference in how they feel.
8. Maintain Normalcy: Engage in normal conversations about everyday life, such as what’s happening in the neighborhood or a favorite TV show. Share jokes or funny stories to bring a smile to their face. This can provide a much-needed distraction from their illness.

Remember, any love and support you offer, whether through actions or words, can greatly impact their journey. Your efforts will help them focus on healing and getting back to life.