Can you be completely cured of cancer?

As an oncologist with extensive experience in cancer treatment, I can tell you that the possibility of being completely cured of cancer depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, the stage at which it is detected, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Some cancers can be cured, especially if they are caught early and are localized, meaning they have not spread to other parts of the body. However, for some advanced cancers or those that are resistant to treatment, a complete cure may not be possible, and the focus may shift to palliative care to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. It's important to understand that remission and cure are not the same. When a patient is said to be in remission, it means that the cancer is not detectable by standard tests, but this does not guarantee that the cancer has been completely eradicated. There may still be cancer cells present in the body that are too small to be seen or detected. The cancer could potentially return, which is why regular follow-up tests are crucial for patients in remission.

It can also relieve the symptoms that cancer may cause, such as pain. Treatment for cancer that can't be cured is often called palliative care. If my cancer is in remission, am I cured? ... It is not the same as a cure, because there may still be cancer cells in the body that the doctors can't see.