Cancer survival rates are usually discussed in terms of 5-year relative survival, which means the proportion of patients who are alive five years after diagnosis. Keep in mind that statistics like these are based on large groups of people and cannot predict what might happen with an individual patient.
In addition, the most current national data is from patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2021, which doesn’t reflect the impact of the latest treatment advances.
In the United States, overall survival (including all stages of disease) among people diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 65%. The National Cancer Institute records survival rates using three very broad categories:
- Localized disease. In patients with early-stage, localized cancers where the cancer is confined to the primary site, 5-year survival is 91.1%.
- Regional disease. Among those whose cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes, the survival is 73.7%.
- Distant disease. Patients with colorectal cancer that has metastasized to other body areas at the time of diagnosis, have a survival rate of 15.7%.
How Roswell Park optimizes your survival
As a national leader in cancer care, Roswell Park’s approach includes several components that maximize survival and quality of life, including:
- Access to the latest treatment advances. We are able to offer our patients more treatment options through clinical trials, offering these newest approaches years before they become available to other providers.
- Personalized care. Less invasive or non-operative approaches to cancer care allows for treatments focused on your quality of life and long-term well-being, rather than just your disease.
- Specialized program for colorectal cancer that spreads to the liver. We offer advanced approaches to treat liver metastases that can improve survival and offer a potential cure.
Colorectal cancer may be a difficult journey, but it is not one that you must face alone. We are here to provide the best care and support for you, every step of the way.