SCLC can grow and spread quickly.
While SCLC long-term survival rates can be low, the disease is always treatable.
Plus, newer treatment approaches have improved patients' ability to manage the disease and live longer than before.
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The longest survivors of small cell lung cancer do far exceed the average statistics.
This combined treatment regimen has been shown to improve survival by about 5% over chemotherapy alone.
Prophylactic cranial radiation(PCI) is a form of preventative radiation therapy administered to the head.
PCI is another breakthrough that is offering SCLC patients a chance to live longer, fuller lives.
Unfortunately, though, the long-term prognosis for the disease is still very poor.
Five-Year Survival Rates
Survival rates for cancer are not presented by stage.
These divisions break down into four basic categories:
Researchers look at the survival rates over several decades.
Mortality rates have been decreasing since the 1970s, with the rate dropping faster in recent years.
That means that the odds of a five-year survival are better now than this long-view summary shows.
Median Survival Rate
Another statistic that your healthcare provider may refer to is themedian survival rate.
There are several examples of people living with SCLC beyond the estimated timelines.
Is small cell lung cancer considered terminal?
At the very least, there is a chance to enjoy a longer life than the statistics predict.
The possibility of a better small cell lung cancer prognosis depends on variables that differ from person to person.
Is small cell lung cancer the worst lung cancer?
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