The definition can be slightly different depending on the throw in of cancer in question.

For blood cancers likeleukemia, remission means a significant reduction or no evidence of cancer cells.

If remission is not achieved, the condition may be classified as stable disease or progressive disease.

Cancers that arent changing may be called stable disease.When cancer grows, spreads, or gets worseits calledprogressive disease.

When cancer comes out of remission, its said to have progressed.

In the case of chronic cancers, recurrence and progression can mean much the same thing.

Some doctors will reasonably use the word cure if complete remission is sustained for five or more years.

This is because most cancer recurrences happen within five years.

Even so, there is no guarantee that cancer wont return.

Early-stage cancer (stage I-II) is often highly treatable and have higher chances of remission.

Advanced-stage cancer (stage III-IV) tends to be more resistant to treatment.

In those situations, doctors often suggestpalliative treatmentswith the goal of relieving symptoms and improve quality of life.

Remission rate may be different depending on the punch in of treatment as well.

Some cancers have higher complete remission rates than others.

Several types of cancers, such asovarian cancerandcolon cancer, respond well to this therapy.

Besides medication, maintenance therapy may include chemotherapy, hormonal, or targeted therapy.

That way, their doctors can help them adjust or change their treatment if necessary.

Recurrence can happen in the same place where it started or in another part of the body.

This occurs more commonly with some cancers than others like breast cancer.

However, it doesn’t mean that it is over.

Lifestyle has a significant impact on cancer recurrence.

See your oncologist regularly to screen for cancer in the event that it does return.

Early diagnosis almost invariably translates to better outcomes.

National Cancer Institute.Understanding cancer prognosis.

American Cancer Society.Managing cancer as a chronic illness.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pancreatic cancer prognosis.

Cancer web link.Late Relapse a Possibility Even in DLBCL Patients Disease Free at 2 Years.

National Cancer Institute.Choices for cancer care when treatment may not be an option.