What does a 5-year survival rate indicate for cancer patients?

A 5-year survival rate is a statistical measure that represents the percentage of patients who are still alive five years after their diagnosis of cancer. This figure is crucial in oncology as it provides insight into the effectiveness of treatments and the prognosis for patients diagnosed with specific types of cancer.

For instance, if a particular type of cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 70%, it means that 70% of patients diagnosed with that cancer are expected to be alive five years post-diagnosis, irrespective of whether they have been cured, are in remission, or are still undergoing treatment. It is important to note that this measure does not necessarily indicate that all those survivors are free of cancer or have been cured; rather, it quantifies survival over that specific timeframe, which is a crucial aspect for assessing treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes in oncology.