What is the prognosis of someone with bone cancer?
The prognosis of bone cancer depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. The prognosis can range from good to poor depending on these factors.
For localized bone cancer (cancer that is confined to the bone and has not spread to other parts of the body), the prognosis is generally better than for metastatic bone cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body). The five-year survival rate for localized bone cancer is approximately 65%, while the five-year survival rate for metastatic bone cancer is approximately 30%.
The type of bone cancer also affects the prognosis. Osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer, has a better prognosis than Ewing's sarcoma, another common type of bone cancer.
Age is also a factor that can affect prognosis. Children and adolescents tend to have a better prognosis than adults.
Overall, the prognosis for bone cancer has improved significantly in recent years due to advances in treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, bone cancer remains a serious disease with a high risk of recurrence.