Survival rates for testicular cancer

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. If you do not want to know them, stop reading here and skip to the next section.

Survival rates are a way for doctors and patients to get a general idea of the outlook for people with a certain type and stage of cancer. The 5-year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is found. Of course, many people live much longer than 5 years. Five-year relative survival rates compare the number of people who are still alive 5 years after their cancer was found to the survival of others the same age who don't have cancer. This is a better way to see the impact that cancer can have on survival.

These survival statistics come from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and are based on patients who were diagnosed with testicular cancer between 2001 and 2007.

Testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the 5-year relative survival rate for all men with this cancer is 95%. If the cancer hasn't spread outside the testicle, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Even if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the rate is 96%. If it has spread to organs or lymph nodes away from the tumor, the 5-year relative survival rate is around 72%.

These numbers give you an overall picture, but keep in mind that every person's situation is unique and the 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.