Age and gender
The age and gender as well as the general physical and mental condition of the affected person also play a role in the probability of survival. Women have a higher survival rate after 5 years than men. Patients in poor general physical condition are often unable to derive a positive effect from operations and therapies because their side effects and consequences do not outweigh the benefits.
For example, many types of chemo- or radiotherapy are unsuitable for patients with heart disease. These additionally damage an already impaired heart to a critical degree, so that it can fail. The therapy itself therefore shortens life rather than increasing the patient’s chances of survival. However, younger patients and patients with less pre-existing underlying diseases can compensate for such procedures and their prognosis is significantly better as a result.
Smoking
A prognostic factor that is independent of the other factors is the smoking behaviour of those affected. Cigarette smoking is responsible for 85% of cases of lung cancer. Studies have shown that those who continue to smoke have a lower chance of survival than those who are abstinent.
