Lung Cancer Survival Rates
by Beth G. Hodges, MD

Lung cancer survival rates, despite many years of research in the area, are not encouraging. Like with all cancers, closer estimates of survival can be made based on the type of tumor and the extent of disease at the time of diagnosis. The more extensive the disease, the poorer the survival rate.

For example, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of cancer with a median survival of 2-4 months after diagnosis if not treated. Chemotherapy can extend life out to 1-2 years in many cases, but only 5-10% of patients are alive in 5 years.

Non-small cell lung cancer prognosis is somewhat more variable, but still the overall 5 year survival rate for advanced disease (stage III or stage IV) is only 15%. Stage I disease, however, usually because it is found so very early, can have a 75% 5 year survival rate if the original tumor is completely surgically removed. Stage II and early stage III disease fall somewhere in between.

It should be noted that people who survive an early lung cancer, if they continue to smoke, are at risk for another primary lung cancer. Survival is generally worse with the second cancer. One area of emphasis with treatment of lung cancer should always be on smoking cessation, though this can sometimes feel like closing the barn door after the horse is gone.

Published - September, 2009