Stage 4 lung cancer 5 year survival rate

ON THIS PAGE: You will find information about the number of people who are diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) each year. You will also read general information on surviving the disease. Remember, survival rates depend on several factors. Use the menu to see other pages.

Worldwide, lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer. NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer in the United States, accounting for 82% of all lung cancer diagnoses.

This year, an estimated 236,740 adults (117,910 men and 118,830 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Worldwide, an estimated 2,206,771 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020. These statistics include both small cell lung cancer and NSCLC.

In the United States, the number of new lung cancer cases in men has been dropping annually since the mid-1980s. In women, the number of new cases diagnosed each year started dropping in the mid-2000s. Between 2009 and 2018, incidence rates dropped 1.4% each year in women compared to 2.8% each year in men.

Currently, Black and White women have lower incidence rates than men. Black men are about 15% more likely to get lung cancer than White men. Black women are 16% less likely to get lung cancer when compared with White women. People age 65 and older are more likely to develop the disease. The average age of diagnosis is 70.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men and women worldwide. It is estimated that 130,180 deaths (68,820 men and 61,360 women) from this disease will occur in the United States this year. In 2020, an estimated 1,796,144 people died worldwide from the disease.

Lung cancer makes up around 25% of cancer deaths in the United States. However, death rates for the disease have declined by 56% since 1990 in men and 32% since 2002 in women. From 2015 to 2019, the death rates for men with lung cancer dropped by around 5% each year. The death rates for women with lung cancer declined 4% per year. Research indicates that these declines are due to more people not smoking, more people quitting smoking, and advances in diagnosis and treatment.

The 5-year survival rate tells you what percent of people live at least 5 years after the cancer is found. Percent means how many out of 100. The 5-year survival rate for all people with all types of lung cancer is 22%. The 5-year survival rate for men is 18%. The 5-year survival rate for women is 25%. The 5-year survival rate for NSCLC is 26%, compared to 7% for small cell lung cancer.

However, it is important to note that survival rates depend on several factors, including the subtype of lung cancer and the stage of disease.

For people with localized NSCLC, which means the cancer has not spread outside the lung, the overall 5-year survival rate is 63%. For regional NSCLC, which means the cancer has spread outside of the lung to nearby lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is about 35%. When cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, called metastatic lung cancer, the 5-year survival rate is 7%. It is important to note that newer therapies like targeted treatments and immunotherapies (see Types of Treatment) are allowing people with metastatic lung cancer to live longer than ever before.

Each year, tens of thousands of people are cured of NSCLC in the United States. And, some patients with advanced lung cancer can live many years after diagnosis. Sometimes patients who are told that their lung cancer is incurable live longer than many who are told that their lung cancer is curable. The important thing to remember is that lung cancer is treatable at any stage, and these treatments have been proven to help people with lung cancer live longer with better quality of life.

It is important to remember that statistics on the survival rates for people with NSCLC are an estimate. The estimate comes from annual data based on the number of people with this cancer in the United States. Also, experts measure the survival statistics every 5 years. This means the estimate may not reflect the results of advancements in how NSCLC is diagnosed or treated from the last 5 years. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about this information. Learn more about understanding statistics.

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's (ACS) publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2022, the ACS website, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer website. (All sources accessed January 2022.)

The next section in this guide is Medical Illustrations. It offers drawings of body parts often affected by NSCLC. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Can Stage 4 Lung Cancer Be Cured?

In 2020, lung cancer caused 1.80 million cancer deaths worldwide, the leading cause of cancer deaths that year. Sadly, most patients are diagnosed with lung cancer in the advanced stages, such as stage 4. Consequently, patients’ treatment options and survival rates can look drastically different than those diagnosed in the early stages.

After receiving a stage 4 lung cancer prognosis, many patients are unsure of what to expect. Although there is no cure, there are treatment options available to patients in later stages of lung cancer aimed to prolong life and make it more enjoyable.

How Long Can You Live with Stage 4 Lung Cancer?

Although many patients receive a poor prognosis during stage 4, there is still a life worth living. Lung cancer patients will often be given the amount of time that they have left where they can then plan both curative and palliative treatments to help them live longer. Once your prognosis is determined you will better understand your life expectancy.

Several factors help determine the survival rates of stage 4 lung cancer. Characteristics such as stage, metastasis, weight loss, performance status, sex, and lung illnesses all affect the survival rate of lung cancer patients.

Stage 4 Lung Cancer Survival Rate by Age

As aforementioned, age is a contributing factor to a patient’s survival rate. Typically, older age is linked with a poorer prognosis as these patients generally are in poorer health and have weaker immune systems.

What is Stage IV Lung Cancer?

There are 4 stages of lung cancer labeled I through IV (1-4). Stage IV is the most advanced stage of lung cancer. However, most patients are diagnosed either in stage 3 or 4.

In stage IV, cancer tumors have metastasized from the original lung to the other. Additionally, cancer during this stage may exist in locations of the body such as the heart, chest, lymph nodes, pericardium, and other areas.

There are a few subcategories of metastatic stage 4 lung cancer.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small lung cell cancer (NSCLC) is different from small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) as it typically grows slower. Approximately 90% of lung cancer diagnoses are NSCLC.

Stage IVA

During this stage, the cancer cells have metastasized to the second lung and into the space holding fluid around the lungs or heart. Additionally, at least one lymph node on the second lung or chest has been affected.

Stage IVB

In stage IVB, the tumors can vary in size. Typically, more than one tumor has metastasized outside of the chest and into distant organs and areas of the body.

Small Cell Lung Cancer

SCLC is considered an extended stage and is classified separately from NSCLC.

Stage IV – Extended

Lung cancer tumors have metastasized to other areas of the chest, lymph nodes, another lung, bone, brain, or bone marrow during this stage. Around two of three people diagnosed with SCLC are in the extended stage.

What Does Terminal Lung Cancer Mean

During stage 4, patients will receive a unique prognosis that will determine their next steps such as treatment options and projected survival rates.

Patients diagnosed during the fourth stage frequently experience a different prognosis than those diagnosed in earlier stages. Because the cancer is fully developed, there are fewer treatment options therefore, the stage 4 lung cancer prognosis is less favorable.

Additionally, the median survival time for those with stage 4 lung cancer is four months, meaning that 50% of patients will be alive only four months after their diagnosis. Sadly, this means that most patients experience a terminal stage 4 lung cancer prognosis.

What Does Stage 4 Lung Cancer Do to The Body?

Lung cancer can have many effects on the body both mentally and physically. There are several symptoms that a patient may encounter during their fight against stage 4 lung cancer.

Symptoms include:

• Back and abdominal pain
• Excessive coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue or weakness
• Growth in neck or collarbone
• Breathing issues
• Loss of breath
• Little appetite

In addition to the physical effects of lung cancer, the disease can have detrimental effects on a patient’s mental health. Lung cancer patients may experience a wide range of intense emotions. Conditions such as anxiety and depression can take over the mind of a cancer patient.

Therefore, a patient should surround themselves with a strong support system. Whether reaching out to family and friends or seeking support groups, it is essential to feel supported, worthy and loved.

Is There Any Treatment for Stage 4?

Lung cancer treatment can come in several forms depending on how a patient and the medical professional choose to fight cancer.

Treatments for lung cancer often include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Surgery
• Targeted therapies

However, during stage 4 of lung cancer, the options are often beyond curative methods. Instead, a health professional may recommend palliative treatment to ensure a patient’s comfort.

Palliative treatments help patients manage symptoms, pain, and side effects. Palliative treatments can include:

• Cough suppressants
• Counseling and emotional support
• Massage therapy
• Pain management medication
• Nutritional supplements
• Mindfulness practices

How Many Chemo Treatments for Stage 4 Lung Cancer?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment used to treat lung cancer by injecting medicine into the blood. For advanced cancer stages, like stage 4, chemotherapy treatments are given differently than in earlier stages.

Medical professionals give chemotherapy in cycles, with each treatment followed by a rest period. Chemotherapy can have detrimental effects on the body, so the rest period is essential to maintain a patient’s physical and mental health. These chemo cycles are typically 3 or 4 weeks long, depending on the drug administered. Each chemotherapy medicine schedule will look different.

Typically, for advanced lung cancer, initial chemotherapy treatment lasts for 4 to 6 cycles. Additionally, some medical professionals may recommend an additional treatment such as a targeted drug if the patient responded well to initial treatment. This additional treatment is often referred to as maintenance therapy to help people live longer.

Stage 4 Lung Cancer Treatment Near Me

Choosing a team of health professionals and where to receive treatment is an important decision for a lung cancer patient. However, it can be difficult to find the right doctors in an area near you.

Picking the right cancer doctor can be difficult as there are many options. However, it is an important decision that should be made with care and time. A cancer patient should feel comfortable and confident with their medical professional. Choosing a cancer center or hospital located in your area can relieve stress and worry when thinking about if your diagnosis is curable. Reach out today to help us ease the burden.

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