Cancerbackup: Survival rates

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Survival rates

There have been huge improvements in the treatment of children’s cancer over the past 50 years. More than 7 in 10 (over 70%) of children with cancer are now cured, compared with fewer than 3 in 10 (less than 30%) in 1962–66. Research is continuing to improve treatments and reduce side effects.

To compare the results of treatments, doctors use five or 10-year survival rates. Five-year survival means the percentage of patients alive five years after they are found to have cancer.



Content last reviewed: 01 June 2008
Page last modified: 17 July 2008

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