What Factors Affect Liver Cancer Survival Rates?

There are several factors that affect liver cancer survival rates. Among the top two are the stage of cancer and the current strength of the patient's liver. The patient's past medical history and his current health status are important as well. The presence or lack of scarring of the liver is another important factor as is the treatment plan the patient and his doctors choose. Even such matters as a patient's age, ethnicity, and sex can influence the patient's likelihood of surviving for a significant time after a diagnosis of liver cancer.

One of the most important factors that affects liver cancer survival rates is the stage of cancer with which the patient is diagnosed. As with most types of cancer, a patient's chances of survival are directly related to the stage of cancer. The earlier this type of cancer is diagnosed and treated, the higher the likelihood that he will survive for a lengthy time period after his diagnosis.

Usually, liver cancer survival rates are given in terms of five-year periods. Those who are in the earliest stage of liver cancer and have the smallest tumors are the most likely to live for at least five years after diagnosis. In fact, about 21 percent of those with localized cases of liver cancer are likely to live at least five years after diagnosis while six percent of those with cancer that has spread to a nearby area are likely to live for at least five years. Unfortunately, liver cancer can spread to distant parts of the body, and once it does, only about two percent of liver cancer patients are expected to live for at least five years.

In addition to the stage of cancer, an individual's liver strength also influences his specific liver cancer survival potential. Doctors usually monitor liver function in patients who have been diagnosed with the disease. Those who have the best liver function and little scarring often have the highest survival rates. A person's unique medical history and current health status may also factor importantly. For example, a patient who is a chronic drinker or smoker may have a lower likelihood of survival, and an individual who has other health problems in addition to cancer may face a disadvantage as well.

The treatment plan a patient and his doctors choose is also important when it comes to survival rates. Selecting the treatment that fits the stage of cancer is critical. Likewise, doctors usually try to improve survival rates by choosing the treatments to which the patient is most likely to respond.

Interestingly, liver cancer survival rates can also be influenced by a patient's gender. A person's ethnicity can affect his chances of survival as well. Women, for example, generally have higher survival rates than men, and Caucasians usually have higher survival rates than African-American patients.