Cancer survival rates have improved markedly, with about 61% of patients now achieving a cure.
Differences
Survival rates vary widely by cancer type. Breast, prostate, and skin cancers boast rates over 85%, while only 6% of pancreatic cancer patients survive five years after diagnosis.
These gaps often result from late-stage discoveries, when effective treatment becomes challenging.
Positive Trends Amid Rising Cases
This upward trend in survival is welcome news. Yet, cancer diagnoses are increasing too—100,600 cases in 2011, up 4% from 96,500 in 2010.
Yesterday marked World Cancer Day.
