The first questions we typically hear from our newly-diagnosed patients are:
What’s my prognosis?
Will I survive?
Can I be cured?
What’s my prognosis?
Will I survive?
Can I be cured?
Clinically speaking, both your prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
- The stage of the cancer (the size of the tumor and whether it is in the lung only or has spread to other places in the body)
- The type of lung cancer
- Whether there are symptoms such as coughing or trouble breathing
- Your general health
Once we know your tumor’s stage, we will have a general idea of how well others with your cancer have done in terms of survival. But keep in mind that these are just statistics, and every tumor, every treatment plan, and every response to treatment and side effects, will be different for each patient. And even for advanced lung cancer, where reported survival rates are low, there is always reason to hope.
No Two Cancers Are Alike
Just as no two lung cancer patients are exactly alike, the same can be said about their cancers. Each tumor is genetically different from another, and these molecular differences can translate to one patient responding to treatment while another does not.
Roswell Park’s lung cancer team is committed to giving you, whether diagnosed with early-stage or more advanced cancer, a fighting chance. You have our promise that we will provide the best care and treatments available, and the tools, support and resources you need to ensure both quality of care and quality of life.