What is the life expectancy of someone with non-small cell lung cancer?
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What is the life expectancy of someone with non-small cell lung cancer?
5-year relative survival rates for non-small cell lung cancer
| SEER stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| Localized | 64% |
| Regional | 37% |
| Distant | 8% |
| All SEER stages combined | 26% |
Is non-small cell lung cancer always fatal?
Non-small cell lung cancer is curable, especially with early detection and treatment. Certain factors can affect your overall prognosis, such as: The stage of the cancer (the size of the tumor and whether it is only in your lung or has spread to other places in your body).
What is the main cause of non-small cell lung cancer?
Smoking causes most cases (around 90%) of non-small cell lung cancer. The risk depends on the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and for how long you have smoked. Being around the smoke from other people (secondhand smoke) also raises your risk of lung cancer.
How long does it take non-small cell lung cancer to spread?
It can be difficult to determine how quickly lung cancer will spread from one stage to the next. It often depends upon the type of lung cancer, as small cell lung cancers tend to be more aggressive and grow more quickly, while some types of non-small cell lung cancer can take years to become metastatic.
Is 4 cycles of chemo enough for lung cancer?
For advanced cancers, the initial chemo combination is often given for 4 to 6 cycles. Some doctors now recommend giving treatment beyond this with a single chemo or targeted drug, in people who have had a good response to their initial chemotherapy or have had no worsening of their cancer.
Where does non-small cell lung cancer start?
Like all cancers, NSCLC begins at the cellular level and causes abnormal cells in the lungs to reproduce rapidly and out of control. NSCLCs are carcinomas, which are cancers of the cells lining the surface of the lung airways. These include the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.
How do you know if chemo is working lung cancer?
The best way to tell if chemotherapy is working for your cancer is through follow-up testing with your doctor. Throughout your treatment, an oncologist will conduct regular visits, and blood and imaging tests to detect cancer cells and whether they’ve grown or shrunk.
