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.