Lung cancer life expectancy: the statistics
Lung cancer is rarely curable: it is often only discovered when it is already far advanced. A cure is then usually no longer possible. Therefore, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in men and the second most common cause of cancer death in women.
The following table summarizes the most important statistical figures on lung cancer in Europe for the year 2020: Number of new cases, deaths and survival rates (Source: Globocan 2020):
|
Lung cancer 2020 |
Men |
Women |
|
New cases |
315.054 |
162.480 |
|
Deaths |
260.019 |
124.157 |
|
relative 5-year survival rate |
15 % |
21 % |
The number of age-standardized new cases and deaths from lung cancer are developing in opposite directions for the sexes: since the end of the 1990s, they have been decreasing in men while steadily increasing in women.
A distinction is made between absolute and relative survival rates: In the case of absolute survival rates, all deaths in an observed patient group are counted, including those from other causes. If, for example, a lung cancer patient dies of a sudden heart attack, this is still included in the calculation of the absolute survival rate.
The relative survival rate, on the other hand, takes into account only those deaths in the patient group that are actually attributable to the disease under investigation (such as lung cancer). Relative survival rates thus allow a more accurate statement on life expectancy in lung cancer:
Five years after lung cancer diagnosis, 15 percent of male patients and 21 percent of female patients are still alive. The same is true for lung cancer in terms of 10-year relative survival: life expectancy in women is slightly higher than in men. Overall, lung cancer has a poor prognosis.
What does life expectancy depend on in lung cancer?
On the other hand, the type of bronchial carcinoma also influences life expectancy: lung cancer is divided into two major groups – small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They progress differently and also have different cure rates.
Small cell lung cancer: life expectancy
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is rarer than the non-small cell type, but more aggressive: the median survival time without therapy is less than three months – meaning that untreated, patients die on average less than three months after diagnosis.
The reason for the poor outlook in SCLC: The small cancer cells can divide very quickly, which is why the tumor can grow rapidly. In addition, it forms daughter tumors (metastases) in other parts of the body earlier than non-small cell lung cancer. Life expectancy and chances of recovery are therefore generally lower with this form of bronchial carcinoma.
In most patients, small cell lung cancer has already spread too far in the body by the time it is discovered. By then, surgery is usually no longer advisable or possible. The most important treatment method is then chemotherapy (often combined with radiation therapy):
In most cases, small cell bronchial carcinoma initially responds well to this treatment. This is because the drugs are particularly effective on fast-growing cells, i.e. also on the cells of this form of lung cancer. Survival and life expectancy can be improved somewhat in many patients as a result of the treatment. In most cases, however, the tumor is only temporarily slowed in its growth. After some time, the cancer cells almost always spread again unchecked.
With the right treatment, the median survival time for small cell lung cancer can be extended – to eight to twelve months in the presence of metastases in more distant parts of the body (distant metastases), and to 14 to 20 months in the absence of distant metastases.
Non-small-cell bronchial carcinoma: life expectancy
Non-small-cell bronchial carcinomas grow more slowly than small-cell ones. Daughter tumors (metastases) in other parts of the body only form in advanced stages of the cancer. Therefore, life expectancy and chances of cure are generally better for non-small cell lung cancer than for the small cell type.
If possible, the tumor is removed completely by surgery. This is sometimes followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. If surgery is not possible (for example, because of the location or size of the tumor), patients usually receive radiation and/or chemotherapy. If a tumor was previously inoperable because of its size, it may have subsequently shrunk to the point where it can be operated on. In advanced non-small cell lung cancer, other therapies are sometimes considered (e.g., targeted treatment with antibodies).
Other influencing factors
There are other factors that affect life expectancy in lung cancer patients. These include, for example, the patient’s general health, tobacco consumption and any concomitant diseases (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes). The above table also shows that lung cancer has a slightly better prognosis in women than in men.
Is lung cancer curable?
In principle, lung cancer is curable – but only if all cancer cells can be completely removed or destroyed. This is usually only possible with surgery and possibly chemotherapy and/or radiation. Chemotherapy or radiation alone only very rarely succeeds in permanently curing lung cancer.
Can patients increase their life expectancy?
Anyone who discovers possible signs of lung cancer should see a doctor immediately. The earlier the diagnosis is made and therapy is started, the better the life expectancy and chances of recovery from lung cancer. This means that you should see a doctor even if you have unspecific and supposedly harmless symptoms such as a cough, slight fever and fatigue. Heavy smokers in particular should watch out for such complaints and have them medically clarified at an early stage.
In addition, lung cancer patients should eat a balanced and healthy diet. This strengthens the general state of health and supports the healing process. The same applies to regular exercise and sport. Those who are physically active also improve their quality of life and well-being.
Experts have a particularly important tip for smokers: Stop smoking! Some patients may think: “It’s too late now anyway – I already have lung cancer!”. However, life expectancy and chances of recovery can be increased by stopping smoking.
