Stage 3 Cancer Survival Rate

Development of cancer is divided into stages. Staging helps design proper treatment for the patient. Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with cancer worldwide. Detection of cancer in early stages helps increase the life expectancy of the patient. It is comparatively difficult to treat stage 3 cancer and stage 4 cancer than stage 1 and 2 cancer. When the cancer is detected in its first or second stage, it is possible to remove the cancer surgically and thus control the growth of the cancer.

Stages of Cancer

Every cancer is divided into four or five stages. 'Carcinoma in situ' or 'stage zero' is the initial stage of cancer. If some abnormal cells are detected during screening, the condition is termed as 'carcinoma in situ'. These abnormal cells are likely to develop into cancerous cells. So the patient has to keep a watch on the growth of these cells by undergoing certain tests at regular intervals. Pap smear testing has successfully helped in lowering the percentage of cervical cancer in women, as the test helps detect 'carcinoma in situ'. Breast cancer is believed to be the 'best cancer' as it can be treated and removed easily if detected in earlier stages.

Growth of cancerous cells in the form of very small tumors is termed as stage one cancer. There exist several types of cancers and experts have determined the sizes of tumors for each stage of cancer. During the first stage, cancer is confined to the local area (the area or organ of its origin). During the second stage, the size of the tumor increases and the number of tumors also increases. Some cancers are aggressive and they spread quickly while some cancers spread very slowly. The cancer starts invading the nearby lymph nodes. During stage 3 cancer, more number of lymph nodes are invaded by the cancer. The cancer starts attacking the nearby organs. What is stage 4 cancer? Stage 4 cancer is the last stage of cancer. The cancer spreads through the tissue, blood or lymphatic system towards distant lymph nodes and distant organs. As the cancer spreads into the bones, liver, brain, etc. body systems start to collapse. Dysfunction of various organs leads to death.

Stage 3 Cancer Survival Rate

Stage 3 and stage 4 can be described as final stages of cancer. Depending upon the type of cancer, age, overall health of the patient, availability of advanced treatment, etc. even stage 3 cancer can be cured. There are chances of recurrence, but with proper treatment and follow-up, the life expectancy of the patient can be increased significantly. Thus, stage 3 cancer prognosis is not always bad. Dealing with cancer is easier if you have strong mind along with strong body. The rate of survival varies according to the factors mentioned above, the race of the patient (genetic disposition) and the type and sub-type of the cancer. Elderly people may have poorer survival rates regardless of the stage at the time of diagnosis.

Type of Cancer	Five Year Survival Rate for Stage 3
Breast Cancer	About 50-70%
Bladder Cancer	About 46-50%
Myeloma Cancer	About 10-25%
Cervical Cancer	About 56-70%
Ovarian Cancer	About 40-43%
Colon Cancer	About 44-83%
Breast Cancer	About 54-67%
Uterus Cancer	About 30-40%
Vaginal Cancer	About 20-30%
Prostate Cancer	About 70-80%
Lung Cancer	About 10-23%

Stage 3 cancer prognosis is not as bad as stage 4 cancer prognosis. The statistical figures are derived by studying certain groups of people. The exact life expectancy of a cancer patient cannot be told, using the above figures. These figures are just for reference. Every cancer patient is unique. Stage 3 cancer survival rate can be significantly improved with the help of prompt and proper treatment. Cancer treatment mainly involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and use of pain killers. With love, affection and moral support of the family and friends, cancer patients can fight cancer with positive attitude and strong mind.