What is the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with lung cancer?

The prognosis, or outlook, for people with lung cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the cell type, the overall health of the person, and the type of treatment received.

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for all stages of lung cancer is about 18%. This means that about 18% of people with lung cancer will survive for at least 5 years after their diagnosis.

The survival rate for lung cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of survival.

For example, the 5-year survival rate for people with stage I lung cancer is about 68%, while the 5-year survival rate for people with stage IV lung cancer is about 5%.

The cell type of lung cancer also affects the prognosis. People with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a better prognosis than those with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

The overall health of the person also plays a role in the prognosis. People with other medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, may have a lower survival rate than those without these conditions.

The type of treatment received can also affect the prognosis. People who receive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have a better prognosis than those who receive only one or two of these treatments.

It's important to remember that these are just average survival rates. Some people with lung cancer may survive for much longer than 5 years, while others may not live as long. The best way to get an accurate prognosis for your individual case is to talk to your doctor.