Does stage 4 cancer mean 100% death?

Dr.Arun Giri, 3 mins read

Stage 4 of any cancer is the most serious form, with the highest risk of mortality. However, it doesn’t always mean a death sentence. At this stage, the primary focus is on controlling rather than curing. If managed and treated properly, the longevity and quality of life can be improved in most cancers.   

What is stage 4 cancer?

There are four stages of cancer. Stage 1 is the earliest form of cancer when the cancer has just started. Stage 2 means cancer is growing but is contained to a particular area. Stage 3 means that the cancer has grown and has started to spread to surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. 

And the last stage, i.e., stage 4, means that the cancer has spread (metastasised) from its original location to distant parts of the body, such as bones, liver, lungs, or brain. This stage is also known as metastatic cancer.

Prognosis and survival rates: How long can someone survive with stage 4 cancer?

As discussed above, stage 4 cancer doesn’t always mean 100% immediate death. With improvement in treatment and knowledge, the last stage of cancer can be managed well. 

However, predicting life expectancy is very difficult. There is no fixed timeline for survival. That’s because stage 4 cancer is generally considered incurable. 

Some can live for a few months, while many can survive for a year or more with proper treatment and care. The prognosis depends on the type of cancer, its location, and the individual's overall health. 

Factors influencing the survival rate

• Type of cancer: Different types of cancer have varying survival rates. For example, stage 4 prostate cancer has a better survival rate than stage 4 lung cancer. 
  Performance status: The individual's overall health and ability to perform daily activities
• Treatment response: How well the cancer responds to treatment. The common treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, palliative care, and hospice care.
• Age and overall health: The individual's age and overall health can impact survival rates. Young people with an active and good lifestyle generally respond better to treatment than older people with comorbidities. 

What’s the 5-year relative survival rate?

There are a few studies that describe a person’s outlook using the 5–year relative survival rate. This rate helps understand the survival rate of someone with stage 4 cancer for 5 years. 

The data has been obtained from a large dataset over the years. However, this may not reflect the exact life expectancy. Remember, a wide range of factors influence the survival rate. 

Here is the relative survival rate of some common stage 4 cancers:

Living with stage 4 cancer

While stage 4 cancer is a serious condition, many people are able to live with the disease and enjoy quality time with their loved ones. With proper care and support, you can manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, it’s best to get a second opinion. You can consult our experts at Aakash Healthcare. Here, we have a team of medical and surgical oncologists who can tailor-made treatment as per your condition and overall health.