One of the first questions you may ask after receiving a colon or rectal cancer diagnosis is, “How long will I live?” Your doctor may not give you a firm answer. You are unique. Whether your cancer is stage I or IV, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

Your questions are related to a term called “prognosis” – which is the predicted course of your disease. Data from other patients can be used to estimate an answer for you.

Statistics alone will not determine your outcomes. But you can use them to make decisions about your treatment plan.

When doctors talk about survival rates, they’re trying to give you a clearer picture of how serious colorectal cancer can be and how well treatments are working.

The rates look at how many people are still alive five years after their cancer diagnosis compared to people who don’t have cancer. It’s like comparing two groups to see how the cancer group is doing.

Reaching 5 years after your cancer treatment without the cancer coming back is a big deal. It’s like passing a major milestone on a road trip—it means you’ve come a long way, and the chance of the cancer coming back gets a lot lower.

This 5-year mark helps doctors and patients feel more secure about the future.

For every 100 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer, about 65 are expected to be doing well 5 years later.

This number helps us understand the big picture of how people with this type of cancer are doing, thanks to the treatments available.

Knowing how well people do after a colorectal cancer diagnosis can give you hope and help you understand what to expect. Here’s a simple breakdown of what survival rates mean at different stages of colorectal cancer:

If colorectal cancer is found early, before it has spread, the chances of being well 5 years later are really good—about 91 out of 100 people are still doing well.

Catching the cancer early, when it’s still in one place, makes a huge difference. Getting screened on time and disclosing any symptoms right away can help find cancer when it’s most curable.

When the cancer has spread to nearby areas, like lymph nodes, things get a bit tougher, but you have treatment options. About 73 out of 100 people are expected to be doing well after 5 years.

This shows that even though the cancer has spread, many people still do well, thanks to effective treatments.

When colorectal cancer has spread beyond the colon or rectum, also known as metastasis, the journey gets much harder. About 16 out of 100 people are doing well after 5 years.

This stage is more challenging, but it’s not without hope. New treatments and clinical trials are being developed all the time.

Sometimes, doctors can’t tell exactly how far the cancer has spread. In these cases, about 49 out of 100 people are doing well after 5 years.

Every person’s cancer journey is unique. Even when things aren’t clear, treatments can still make a big difference.

For the latest and most comprehensive data on colorectal cancer survival rates, the National Cancer Institute’s SEER program and the American
Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics Center are invaluable resources.

Deciding to get treatment is a very personal choice.

It’s important to stick to trustworthy sources when looking for information. Treatment can significantly impact survival rates, but the ultimate decision on how to proceed rests in your hands.

Work closely with your healthcare team, who know your specific health needs and convictions. Also, include your loved ones so they can also understand your personal values and goals. You are an essential partner in your team.

Your insights, preferences, and priorities will lead to a treatment plan that’s right for you, even if the answer is no treatment. If you’re grappling with uncertainty, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. It might help offer new perspectives and reassurance.