Life expectancy with pancreatic cancer can vary depending on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, the overall 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is about 9%, meaning that only about 9% of people with pancreatic cancer will still be alive 5 years after their diagnosis.
The prognosis and life expectancy for pancreatic cancer can be greatly affected by the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis tends to be. For instance, if the cancer is caught in Stage I, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 24%. However, if the cancer is not caught until Stage IV, the 5-year survival rate drops to just 1%.
Other factors that can influence life expectancy with pancreatic cancer include age, gender, overall health, and the type and aggressiveness of the cancer itself. Generally speaking, younger people tend to have a better prognosis than older people, and men tend to have a better prognosis than women. Additionally, those with a healthier overall health tend to have a better prognosis than those with an underlying medical condition. Finally, certain types of pancreatic cancer are more aggressive and tend to have a worse prognosis than others.
Overall, life expectancy with pancreatic cancer can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. It is important to speak to your doctor to get an accurate prognosis and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.