Some people with cancer may want to know the survival rates for their type of cancer. Others may not find the numbers helpful, or may even not want to know them. Whether or not you want to read about survival rates is up to you.
The 5-year survival rate is the percentage of patients who are alive 5 years after their cancer is found. The numbers here include people diagnosed with colon cancer who may have later died from other causes, such as heart disease.
People with colon cancer tend to be older and may have other serious health conditions. This means the percentage of people surviving the colon cancer itself is likely to be higher, and many of them live much longer than 5 years.
While the numbers below are among the most current we have, they are from people who were first treated many years ago. Because cancer treatment continues to improve, the survival rates for people now may be higher.
Survival rates for colon cancer by stage
Stage |
5-year Survival Rate |
I |
74% |
IIA |
67% |
IIB |
59% |
II C |
37% |
IIIA |
73%* |
IIIB |
46% |
IIIC |
28% |
IV |
6% |
Survival rates for rectal cancer by stage
Stage |
5-year Survival Rate |
I |
74% |
IIA |
65% |
IIB |
52% |
IIC |
32% |
IIIA |
74%* |
IIIB |
45%* |
IIIC |
33% |
IV |
6% |
These numbers give you an overall picture, but keep in mind that every person is different and statistics can't predict exactly what will happen in your case. Talk with your cancer care team if you have questions about your own chances of a cure or how long you might survive your cancer. They know your situation best.
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