Pancreatic Cancer: 10-Year Survival
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and the prognosis for long-term survival is poor. The 10-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just 9%. That means that only 9 out of every 100 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will still be alive 10 years later.
Factors Affecting 10-Year Survival
The 10-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is affected by a variety of factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the patient's age and overall health, and the type of treatment received.
Stage of Cancer
The stage of the cancer indicates how far the cancer has spread. Generally, the earlier the cancer is caught, the higher the chance of survival. The 10-year survival rate for people with localized (confined to the pancreas) pancreatic cancer is 28%, compared to only 4% for those with distant metastases (cancer that has spread to other organs).
Age and Overall Health
Older people are generally less likely to survive long-term than younger people. The 10-year survival rate for people under the age of 45 is 24%, compared to just 4% for those over the age of 75. Similarly, those in good health have a better chance of surviving than those with other health issues.
Type of Treatment
The type of treatment a patient receives can also affect their long-term survival. Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. Patients who receive a combination of treatments are more likely to have a better 10-year survival rate than those who only receive one type of treatment.
Conclusion
The 10-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just 9%. This rate can be affected by a variety of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and the type of treatment received. Those who receive a combination of treatments typically have a better chance of survival than those who only receive one type of treatment.
