The answer to how long you can live with asbestos cancer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of cancer, the stage at which it is diagnosed, the patient's age and overall health, and the type of treatment received. Generally, mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, has a poor prognosis and most patients live for less than a year. However, some patients may live longer if they receive aggressive treatment.
For early-stage mesothelioma, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 10-20%, meaning that some patients may live for 5 years or more after diagnosis. This number decreases for patients with more advanced stages of mesothelioma, and the average survival time is closer to 12 months.
Patients with asbestos-related lung cancer can have a better prognosis if their cancer is caught early. Depending on the stage of the cancer, the 5-year survival rate can be between 20-70%. Again, treatment options will affect the patient's prognosis.
The prognosis for patients with other asbestos-related cancers, such as pleural plaques, asbestosis, and pleural effusions, is generally better than for mesothelioma or lung cancer. These conditions may not be life-threatening and may even be reversible with proper treatment.
Overall, it is difficult to predict how long a person can live with asbestos cancer, since it depends on many factors. However, if diagnosed early and treated aggressively, some patients may be able to live for many years.