Remission is a term used to describe a decrease or absence of symptoms of a disease or condition. If you have an illness or medical condition that fluctuates in severity such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to know if and when you are in remission.
To know if you are in remission, it is best to consult with your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor may recommend certain tests and/or imaging to evaluate if your condition is in remission, as well as review your medical history and symptoms.
Tests such as bloodwork, x-rays, or MRI scans may be needed to assess the activity of your condition. It is also important to note that the length of time your condition is in remission varies from person to person.
Reaching remission is not always a sign of recovery. It is possible for a person to reach remission and still be living with their condition. It is important to continue to monitor your condition even when you reach remission, as it is possible to relapse.
When is cancer no longer in remission?
Cancer is considered to be “in remission” when there is no longer any evidence that cancer is present or active. Depending on the type of cancer and the person’s diagnosis, remission can be achieved through various means such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
However, even when a person’s cancer is in remission, they should still be monitored closely by their doctor to ensure that the cancer does not return. It is possible for cancer to return even years after a person has achieved remission, so regular monitoring is essential.
Additionally, some cancer survivors may be put on medications to lower the chances of the cancer returning.
In order for cancer to be declared out of remission, there must be signs that the cancer is active again. A person’s doctor would need to order tests that indicate the return of the cancer. This can include imaging scans such as MRIs, PET scans, and CT scans; blood tests; or biopsies.
Once tests show the return of cancer, the person’s doctor would have to determine the best course of action in order to fight the cancer again.
Ultimately, cancer is not considered to be out of remission until it is active again. It is important for cancer survivors to maintain regular appointments with their doctor and follow their recommended treatment plan to reduce the risk of their cancer returning.
Does cancer always come back after remission?
No, cancer does not always come back after remission. Remission is a period where there is a decrease or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer, potentially for a long period of time. It does not, however, guarantee that the cancer will not return.
Relapse (recurrence) of cancer is possible, and the risk varies depending on the type of cancer, treatment received, and the individual’s overall health. Additionally, cancer can come back in the same place it originated or other parts of the body.
With early detection, proper treatment, and regular follow-up care, the possibility of relapse can be greatly reduced. Cancer survivors should also concentrate on maintaining good health habits and staying active which can help reduce the risk of relapse.
When do you start counting cancer free?
When it comes to counting cancer free, the time frame can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. Generally speaking, it is recommended to wait a certain amount of time before counting oneself as cancer-free.
For example, for breast cancer, it is generally recommended to wait at least five years after active treatment ends before counting oneself as cancer-free. This is because even after active treatment has ended, there may still be a chance that the cancer could return.
During this five-to-ten-year period, individuals who have completed cancer treatments may still need to receive some type of follow-up care and monitoring to ensure that the cancer does not return. Additionally, individuals who have been successfully treated for cancer may still experience late effects of their treatment and may still need to manage any lingering physical, emotional, and mental impacts.
Therefore, counting oneself as cancer-free should not be done before the recommended amount of time has passed in order to reduce the chance of a recurrence.
Are you ever fully cancer free?
When someone has a cancer diagnosis, it typically means that the cancer is present in their body in some form. A person’s cancer status is sometimes referred to as being “in remission,” which means that the cancer is no longer actively progressing or growing.
The amount of time it takes to achieve cancer remission and achieve a cancer-free status varies, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. For some people, chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments may be successful in eliminating all traces of the cancer.
This is often called a “complete remission. ” For other types of cancer, it may take longer to achieve a cancer-free status and may involve multiple treatments over time.
While there is no guarantee that someone is “fully cancer free,” remission is often a good indication that the cancer has been effectively addressed and is no longer a threat to the person’s health. To ensure that a person remains cancer-free over the long term, regular follow-up care is typically recommended.
This involves follow-up visits, medical tests, and lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of recurrence.
What is the two week cancer rule?
The “Two Week Cancer Rule” is a guideline set by the National Health Service (NHS) to help diagnose cancer symptoms more quickly. According to the NHS, if any urgent symptoms are suspected to be cancer, the patient should be referred for a diagnosis in two weeks or less.
In order for this time frame to be followed, the NHS has developed a system where medical professionals must refer the patient after assessing their symptoms through a detailed evaluation. This two week rule is designed to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of possible cancer in order to give the patient the best chance of successful outcomes.
According to the NHS, if a cancer is diagnosed promptly, there is a greater chance of successful treatment and better outcomes.
When is a cancer patient considered a survivor?
A cancer survivor is someone who has been diagnosed with cancer and has completed treatment or is currently undergoing treatment. Many people may also consider those who are living with cancer but have not yet gone through treatment as survivors too.
Some people also use the term “thriver,” which acknowledges the resilience and strength it takes to cope with a cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. It’s important to remember that cancer survivors have unique experiences, so there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of what it means to be a survivor.
Regardless of whether they’re actively undergoing treatment, have finished treatment, or are watching and waiting, cancer patients can all be considered survivors by recognizing the strength, resilience, and courage it takes to face this difficult journey.
When are your counts the lowest after chemo?
The counts of different types of cells in the body can vary widely after chemotherapy treatment, depending on the type of chemo used and how much was given. Generally speaking, cell counts are at their lowest one to two weeks after chemotherapy, but this can vary depending on the medications used and other factors.
After the lowest count, blood cell production should begin to recover, although it will take some time to reach pre-chemo levels. Common side effects that can occur at the lowest count include fatigue, increased risk of infection, bruising and bleeding, and anemia.
It is important to speak to a healthcare provider about anticipated blood cell count levels after chemo, as well as the associated side effects and any necessary precautions to take.
What is the difference between cancer free and remission?
The terms “cancer free” and “remission” are often used interchangeably, although they mean different things. Generally, “remission” refers to any period of time in which the symptoms associated with cancer are either reduced or absent.
It does not necessarily indicate a patient has been “cured” or that the cancer has gone away forever; they just don’t show signs of the disease at that time. Normally, remission is either a complete or partial recovery and can last anywhere from months to years.
“Cancer free,” on the other hand, denotes that a patient is free of cancer and is also commonly referred to as “being cured. ” This means that all cancer cells have been removed, the cancer has not come back and the patient is considered to be risk-free of developing it again over the long term.
In order to achieve “cancer free” status, a patient often has to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Receiving the all clear from a medical practitioner is the only way to know for certain whether or not someone is cancer free.
How fast does cancer return after remission?
The rate at which cancer returns after remission varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of cancer and the individual’s treatment history. Generally, cancer recurrence is estimated to occur in approximately one-third of cancer survivors within 5 years after the end of treatment.
However, some cancers may take longer to recur, while others may come back within just a few months. Additionally, certain factors may increase the risk of cancer returning. For example, people with more aggressive forms of cancer are more likely to experience a recurrence than those with more localized forms of the disease.
Also, those who have had a previous recurrence are more likely to have a subsequent recurrence.
Ultimately, the rate of cancer recurrence after remission is unpredictable, and it is always important to stay up to date on follow-ups with your healthcare provider and remain vigilant for any changes or symptoms that may indicate a recurrence.
Does Stage 4 cancer ever go into remission?
Yes, Stage 4 cancer can go into remission. Remission is when cancer symptoms and signs reduce or disappear, and there is no evidence of active cancer in the body. While remission may bring hope, it is important to note that remission is not a cure.
In cases of Stage 4 cancer, remission may be temporary, and the cancer may eventually progress or recur in the future.
The goal of treatment for Stage 4 cancer is to slow the disease’s progression and reduce cancer-related symptoms, such as pain, to improve the patient’s quality of life. Treatment for Stage 4 cancer can include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
The type of treatment depends on the type and location of cancer, as well as other factors, such as the patient’s age, overall health, and preferences.
Unfortunately, not all people with Stage 4 cancer will go into remission. Although remission is certainly possible, it is important to be aware of the likelihood of recurrence or progression. In some cases, there may be no cure and treatment may focus on providing supportive and palliative care.
It is therefore crucial to speak with your doctor about your treatment goals, the risks, and the possible outcomes.
What is Stage 4 cancer life expectancy?
The life expectancy for those with Stage 4 cancer varies depending on the type of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the treatments utilized. Generally speaking, the 5-year survival rate for Stage 4 cancer is approximately 10 – 20%.
This means that approximately 10 – 20% of those diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer are likely still alive 5 years later.
The survival rate for those with more advanced stages of cancer is typically lower than for those with earlier stages. Therefore, the prognosis for those with Stage 4 cancer may be more pessimistic than for those with earlier stages.
However, there are many promising treatments available for those with Stage 4 cancer that can prolong life expectancy and provide relief.
Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy may be used to treat Stage 4 cancer, depending on the individual’s situation. Additionally, there are many clinical trials available for those with Stage 4 cancer, some of which use new and innovative therapies that can potentially improve life expectancy.
It is important to bear in mind that everyone’s experience with cancer is different and life expectancies vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have a better life expectancy with stage 4 cancer than others.
Proactive measures such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can be beneficial for those with cancer and help to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Overall, life expectancy for Stage 4 cancer varies greatly from person to person and it is impossible to accurately predict the exact length of survival for a given individual. It is important for those with Stage 4 cancer to discuss their prognosis and treatment options with their doctor to determine a course of action that best suits their needs.
Can immunotherapy cure stage 4 cancer?
The short answer is that immunotherapy can help treat certain types of metastatic (stage 4) cancers. However, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cancer treatment, and immunotherapy may not be a viable option for everyone.
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body’s own natural immune system to fight cancer. It is not a cure for cancer, but it can be an effective tool when used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy.
Studies have shown that immunotherapy can help some people with certain types of cancer, including those in advanced stages.
Immunotherapy has been used to treat a wide range of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and some blood cancers. In some cases, immunotherapy can be more effective than chemotherapy, because it may allow some cancer cells to be targeted more specifically.
This means that healthy cells are less likely to be damaged during treatment.
It is important to remember that immunotherapy is not a cure for cancer, and effectiveness can vary from person to person. It is important to have a discussion with your doctor to find the best possible treatment plan, which may or may not include immunotherapy, depending on your individual case.
Are metastatic cancers rarely fatal?
No, metastatic cancers are not rarely fatal. Metastatic cancer, also known as advanced or stage 4 cancer, is a type of cancer that has spread from the original tumor to other places in the body. Metastatic cancer cells are harmful and can cause serious illness and even death.
Generally, the prognosis for metastatic cancer is worse than for earlier stages of the disease, and metastatic cancers are often fatal. Treatments for metastatic cancer can help to slow the progression of the disease, however, the overall goal of treatment is typically palliative, and the disease may eventually be fatal.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 90% of all cancer deaths are due to metastatic cancer. Therefore, metastatic cancer is not rarely fatal, and it is important to seek appropriate medical care as soon as possible after being diagnosed with cancer.
Why does cancer come back as Stage 4?
When cancer comes back as Stage 4, it typically means that the cancer has spread beyond the primary site in the body, and has reached other distant organs or tissues. Stage 4 cancer is considered to be the most advanced stage of cancer and is also referred to as metastatic cancer.
Unlike earlier stages of cancer, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body it is more difficult to treat – because the disease is coming from multiple sources.
Treatment may involve a combination of therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and surgery. It is important to understand that cancer may recur even after successful treatment and can re-appear at any point, even many years after the initial diagnosis.
In some cases, recurrence can also result in a rapid progression to Stage 4 or worse. The chance of this happening depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, the treatment given, and other factors such as the patient’s age and health.
Ultimately, recurrent cancer is a sign that the cancer is aggressive and resistant to treatment. For this reason, it is important for people with cancer to discuss their risks for recurrence with their doctor, so that they can work together to create a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
