Colon cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Ultimately, no one can predict how long someone will survive a particular type and stage of cancer. The American Cancer Society offers the following information regarding colon cancer survival.

Origin of Data

The most recent data for colon cancer survival rates is based on 120,000 people treated between 1991 and 2000. This information comes from the SEER (Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results) database compiled by the National Cancer Institute. Data is based on the number of people diagnosed at a particular stage still alive after five years.

Considerations

The American Cancer Society notes the most recent data reflects patients treated many years ago and newly diagnosed patients might fare better. The death rate has been declining for the last 20 years. There have been advances in both screening and treatment. Many other factors will affect prognosis including age and general health.

Stage 1

Stage one cancer is localized to the colon and has not moved beyond. The five-year survival rate is 93 percent.

Stage 2

Stage 2A cancer has moved to the outermost parts of the colon while 2B cancers have spread to nearby tissues and/ or organs. The survival rates are 85 and 72 percent respectively.

Stage 3

Stage 3A indicates spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage 3B indicates the cancer might or might not have spread to neighboring tissues and organs but has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage 3C indicates the cancer might or might not have moved beyond the colon but has spread to at least four lymph nodes. The survival rates are 83 percent, 63 percent and 44 percent respectively.

Stage 4

Stage 4 cancer indicates spread to distant sites like the liver or lungs. The survival rate is 8 percent.

Source:

American Cancer Society