How are statistics about cancer used to define life expectancy?
Statistics are numbers and percentages that reflect research and measurements of historical data. Statistics about life expectancy or survival rates are often based on a group of survivors who participated in a study where their health status was observed and recorded. Most of these studies took place at least five or 10 years earlier. You may have received a completely different treatment or different amounts of chemotherapy or radiation than they gave a few years ago. Statistics that your health care team shares with you should be related to: • Your type of cancer • The stage of your cancer when you were diagnosed • The particular traits of your cancer (such as cell types and growth traits) • The treatment you received • Your unique physical and emotional health By using these factors, your health care team is in a better position to talk to you about life expectancy and how to best manage your life after cancer. The numbers do not take into consideration your unique physical and emo
