Lung cancer survival rate refers to the percentage of people with lung cancer who survive the disease for a specific period of time after diagnosis. Often, the statistics are based on a 5-year survival rate. It means the percentage of people who are alive 5 years after being diagnosed with lung cancer. These people may still show few or no symptoms at all or they may be cured of the disease after the 5 years. It also refers to the percentage of people who are receiving treatment 5 years after they have been diagnosed with lung cancer.

The survival rate of lung cancer is based on a large group of people and it can therefore not be used to predict what may happen to a particular patient. Lung cancer survival rate is influenced by the stage of the lung cancer at the time of diagnosis as well as the type of lung cancer. Other factors that determine the rate of survival are whether the patient is being diagnosed with the disease for the first time or the disease has recurred.

The major cause of cancer of the lung is long-term exposure to tobacco smoke which eventually alters the DNA in the tissue lining the bronchi in the lungs. Other causes are exposure to ionizing radiation and sometimes it could be as a result of a viral infection. In non-smokers, the cause is a combination of genetic factors and air pollution.

Lung cancer survival rate may also be determined by the patient’s response to treatment. A group of people may suffer from the same disease but their response to treatment may vary greatly.


Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on cancer and its treatment Cancer