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What Is the Average Stage Four Cancer Life Expectancy?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

There is no average stage four cancer life expectancy which is relevant amongst all types of cancer. Some cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, have a very short expected survival rate while others, such as testicular cancer, may have a high survival rate. Many patients who are diagnosed with stage four cancer will not live one year. Others may survive five years, or more, depending on where the primary cancer is located and where it has spread.

Cancer is classified as being in stage four when cancer cells have spread from the original, or primary, location to other areas of the body. This would include areas which are farthest from the site of the primary cancer. The overall stage four life expectancy is much lower than that of lower stages of cancer. Many patients die well before five years, with many passing after only a few months to one year.

Some types of cancer may be more responsive to treatments than others, even in the later stages. Cancer of the testes are one example. The overall five year survival rate for testicular cancer patients with stage four disease is 95%.

Treatments may prolong the life of a stage four cancer patient.
Treatments may prolong the life of a stage four cancer patient.

The life expectancy for someone with stage four cancer may be increased if patients who are otherwise healthy, who have certain easier to treat cancers, or who receive a combination of aggressive treatments as soon as possible. The elderly, patients who are sick aside from their cancer, and very young children have the lowest life expectancy. Where within the body the primary cancer has spread will also play a role in survival and treatment.

A person with stage four cancer can live a productive life.
A person with stage four cancer can live a productive life.

In some cases, doctors may attempt to increase stage four cancer life expectancy in patients who may still respond to treatment. Common cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Other patients may only be given medications to ease pain and immediately life threatening conditions, such as trouble breathing. These patients often do not live long and may be sent home for their final days.

Children with stage four cancer are among the lowest life expectancies.
Children with stage four cancer are among the lowest life expectancies.

Each patient may have a unique stage four cancer life expectancy, even with a common type of cancer. Occasionally, someone with progressed and aggressive cancer will go into a remission. Each person will be treated based on his or her medical history, preferences, and type of cancer.

Discussion Comments

anon1005401

I had liver cancer. They removed 75 percent of liver but it moved to my left lung with 11 spots.

anon1005263

I had stage 4 tonsil/neck hpv squamous cell cancer in Aug. of 2013. I had tonsillectomy, a radical neck dissection surgery that removed 56 neck lymph nodes with 4 of those infected to the skin outside margin. I had 30 days of Radiation therapy. No chemo. Thank goodness.

I was told 5 years at best however that was 8 years ago. I am well today. There is always mental stress. I don't plan for future anymore.

I feel like the surgery scarring will restrict my neck arteries eventually. I feel like I have a few years left but not more then 5. Just a hunch. I'll probably live to 80.It has a lot to do about your attitude. I wish anyone with cancer all the best luck because you need it. It's hard. But don't self pity because it will turn off your support from family and friends and you need all you can get.

Fortunestorm

As trite as it sounds, a positive outlook can also extend the life of someone with stage 4 cancer. We all know someone who has lived longer than they were given. Look at Valerie Harper. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and is now almost in remission. Her attitude during her illness has been nothing short of commendable, and I don't know that I would live out the rest of my life with the same grace that she has shown.

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    • Treatments may prolong the life of a stage four cancer patient.
      By: Africa Studio
      Treatments may prolong the life of a stage four cancer patient.
    • A person with stage four cancer can live a productive life.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      A person with stage four cancer can live a productive life.
    • Children with stage four cancer are among the lowest life expectancies.
      By: Frantab
      Children with stage four cancer are among the lowest life expectancies.
    • Some stage four cancer patients are given pain medications to ease severe pain and make them comfortable.
      By: auremar
      Some stage four cancer patients are given pain medications to ease severe pain and make them comfortable.
    • Treatments such as radiation therapy may help to prolong the life expectancy of stage four cancer patients.
      By: jovannig
      Treatments such as radiation therapy may help to prolong the life expectancy of stage four cancer patients.