How long do you have to live with Stage 4 cancer?

As an expert in the field of oncology, I can provide information on the general prognosis for Stage 4 cancer, but it's important to note that survival rates can vary widely depending on the type of cancer, the individual's overall health, the effectiveness of the treatments available, and numerous other factors. For Stage 4 cancer, which is generally considered advanced and metastatic (meaning it has spread to other parts of the body), the prognosis is often less favorable than for earlier stages. However, advancements in medical treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have improved outcomes for many patients. The five-year survival rate for Stage 4 cancer varies by cancer type, but for some cancers, it can be as low as 10-20%, while for others, it may be higher. It's crucial for patients with Stage 4 cancer to discuss their prognosis with their healthcare team, as individual circumstances can significantly impact the expected survival time. Additionally, the goal of treatment for Stage 4 cancer is often to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong survival rather than to cure the disease.

Today, for localized tumors that have not spread (Stage 1), 90 percent of patients will live another five years, and half will live more than 10 years. In about six percent to 10 percent of all breast cancer patients, the cancer has already spread to a second location by the time it is diagnosed (Stage 2).