Bone Cancer Prognosis: Impact of Stage
The
bone cancer stage plays a role in the bone cancer prognosis. Based on historical data:
- 41 percent of bone and joint cancer cases are diagnosed while the cancer is still confined to the primary site (localized stage)
- 36 percent of bone and joint cancer cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes or directly beyond the primary site
- 15 percent of bone and joint cancer cases are diagnosed after the cancer has already metastasized (distant stage)
- 8 percent of bone and joint cancer cases had staging information that was unknown.
- 84.5 percent for localized bone cancer
- 69.4 percent for regional bone cancer
- 30.6 percent for distant bone cancer
- 62.2 percent for unstaged bone cancer.
Bone Cancer Prognosis: Summary
Cancer patients and their loved ones face many unknowns. While some people find it is easier to cope when they know the statistics, other people find statistical information confusing and frightening, and they think it is too impersonal to be of use to them. The doctor who is most familiar with a patient's situation is in the best position to discuss the bone cancer prognosis and to explain what the statistics of bone cancer may mean for that person.
At the same time, it is important to understand that even the doctor cannot tell exactly what to expect. In fact, a person's prognosis may change if the cancer progresses or if treatment is successful. Seeking information about the bone cancer prognosis is a personal decision, and it is up to each patient to decide how much information he or she wants to know and how to deal with it.
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