The 5-year survival rate is an important indicator of cancer treatment effectiveness. It refers to the percentage of patients who survive for five years from the date of diagnosis.
If a cancer patient shows no signs of recurrence within five years after treatment, they are often considered to be in disease-free survival. However, this does not necessarily mean a complete cure.
Even if there is no recurrence within five years, the risk of cancer recurrence still exists, but it gradually decreases over time.
In medical terms, 'disease-free survival' or 'long-term survival' is usually used to describe treatment outcomes rather than 'cure,' as cancer may recur many years later.
Different cancer types, stages, treatments, and individual patient differences will affect recurrence risk and survival rates.
Even after five years or longer, doctors usually recommend that cancer patients continue with regular check-ups and follow-ups to detect any potential recurrence early.
A healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol, can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.