It is not simple to understand all the figures about the lung cancer survival rate.

You have to understand how these figures are put together and what exactly they represent.

There are several factors that really influence how lung cancer survival rates are determined; also, what you see in the figures may not be exactly what you think.

The Nitty-Gritty

Lung cancer survival rates statements refer to a group of people at a certain age suffering from one specific type of lung cancer.

It may also indicate rates for people suffering from lung cancer at any disease.

No matter if the person still has cancer or is in remission, usually the statistics relate to the survival rate after 5 years.

Understand that the lung cancer statistics are based upon average and a large group of people. And since every case is very different, so they only predict what the survival rate will be for a particular person.

Lung Cancer Survival Rate Factors

As I have written above that, many things influence the lung cancer survival rate statistics. Below are some factors that can alter survival rates area:

* The stage

* Cancer type

* Symptoms present

* Patient’s health condition

* Diagnosis date

When a doctor gives patient information on the possible outcome of their diagnosis, it is based upon a general idea of what happens in the average case.

It is really an estimate and not an exact science.

The Average of Lung Cancer Survival Rate

The average Lung Cancer Survival Rate for those diagnosed with early stage lung cancer is 49%. This means that 49 out of 100 people live for at least 5 years after diagnosis.

On the other hand, people diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread have only a 3% survival rate or only 3 out of 100 people live at least 5 years after diagnosis.

How to Use Survival Rates

Now you know what lung cancer survival rate statistics means, and you can begin to find out how they may be used.

The most common use is to help patients understand what lies ahead for them in dealing with the disease and the possibility of their death.

Anne Durrel comes from California, USA. She has written several articles on Lung Cancer . You may want to check out her other guide on stage 4 lung cancer tips, and stage 3 lung cancer guide!