The survival rate for melanoma skin cancer depends on a variety of factors, such as the stage at diagnosis, the type of melanoma, and the patient’s age and overall health. Generally, the 5-year relative survival rate for people with melanoma is 91%. This means that 91% of people diagnosed with melanoma are alive 5 years after diagnosis.
Survival Rates by Stage
The 5-year relative survival rate for localized melanoma, which means the cancer is still within the original site and has not spread to other parts of the body, is 99%. For regional melanoma, which means the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is 63%. The 5-year relative survival rate for distant melanoma, which means the cancer has spread to distant organs in the body, is 24%.
Survival Rates by Age
The 5-year relative survival rate for melanoma is highest among those aged 15 to 39 (97%), followed by those aged 40 to 59 (90%), and those aged 60 and older (79%).
Other Factors
Other factors that may influence survival rates in those with melanoma include:
- Gender: The 5-year relative survival rate is slightly higher for women than men (93% compared to 89%)
- Location: The 5-year relative survival rate is higher for melanomas on the trunk (93%) compared to the head and neck (83%) or the lower extremities (86%)
- Thickness: The 5-year relative survival rate is higher for thinner melanomas (97%) compared to thicker melanomas (60%)
- Treatment: The 5-year relative survival rate is higher for those who received treatment (93%) compared to those who did not receive treatment (63%)
Overall, the 5-year relative survival rate for people with melanoma is 91%, however, this number varies based on a variety of factors. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to get a better understanding of the prognosis and treatment options available.