Fact 8: Prognosis of Thyroid Cancer – Looking into the Future
The prognosis for thyroid cancer patients is generally favorable, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 98% for all stages combined. However, survival rates can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer at diagnosis.
For example, the 10-year survival rate for people with papillary thyroid cancer is 93%, and the rate for follicular thyroid cancer is 85%. Medullary thyroid cancer has a somewhat lower 10-year survival rate of 75%, while anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare and aggressive form, has a much lower survival rate.
It’s also important to note that survival rates are only estimates and don’t predict individual outcomes. Every patient is unique, and many factors can influence a person’s prognosis, including their age, overall health, how well the cancer responds to treatment, and more. (8)
