How are cancer survival rates used?
You and your doctor might use survival statistics to: • Understand your prognosis. The experience of other people in your same situation can give you and your doctor an idea of your prognosis — your chance of achieving remission. Other factors include your age and your general health. Your doctor uses all of these factors to help you understand the seriousness of your condition. • Develop a treatment plan. Statistics can also show how people with your same cancer type and stage respond to treatment. You can use this information, along with your own goals for treatment, to weigh the pros and cons of each option. For instance, if two treatments give you similar chances for remission, but one has more side effects, you might choose the option with fewer side effects.
