Fact 8. Survival Rates: The Progress of Modern Medicine
Discussing survival rates might seem morbid, but it showcases medicine’s strides. Over the past few decades, ALL’s survival rates, especially in children, have witnessed a remarkable upswing.
The 5-year survival rate, a standard metric, provides an optimistic view. With the advent of novel therapies and improved care protocols, more patients are achieving remission and sustaining it.
Yet, survival rates aren’t uniform across the board. Factors like age, ALL subtype, and response to treatment play a role. Children, as mentioned earlier, have a notably higher survival rate compared to older adults.
Interestingly, the definition of “survival” has evolved. It’s not just about living beyond the disease but also about the quality of life post-treatment. Long-term effects of ALL treatments, both physical and psychological, are now part of the survival narrative.
So, while survival rates shine a light on medical progress, they also underscore the journey towards holistic healing and the challenges that lie therein. (8)
