New national data shows that survival for lung cancer has improved, especially for people diagnosed at an early stage. In recent years, according to the American Cancer Society, nearly two-thirds of people with localized lung cancer were alive five years after diagnosis (when compared with a similar population of people without lung cancer).

Survival for lung cancer remains challenging, particularly for people diagnosed after the cancer has spread. The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year relative survival rate for all people with lung and bronchus cancer has risen steadily, reaching 28 percent for those diagnosed in recent years. In national cancer data, lung and bronchus cancers are reported together.

That’s a significant increase compared with the mid-1970s, when the five-year relative survival rate was 12 percent, and the mid-1990s, when the rate was 15 percent.

Although outcomes still vary widely, advances in treatment have improved survival for people diagnosed at earlier stages of the disease.

Why Survival Has Improved

Researchers point to advances in treatment as a major reason lung cancer survival has improved over time. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs have helped some people live longer, particularly in recent years.

Earlier detection has also played a role. The use of low-dose CT screening among certain high-risk groups, along with improved imaging and diagnosis, has helped identify some lung cancers at earlier stages, when treatment is more likely to be effective. Together, these advances in cancer care have contributed to declining death rates from lung cancer over time.

Learn more about treatment options for lung cancer.

Survival Depends on Many Factors, Including Stage

While overall survival for lung cancer has improved over time, outcomes still vary widely depending on the stage at diagnosis. National data shows that survival has improved since the mid-1990s at every stage of diagnosis, though challenges remain for people diagnosed with advanced or metastatic disease.

For localized lung cancer (cancer that has not spread beyond the lungs), the five-year relative survival rate increased from 48 percent in the mid-1990s to 65 percent for people diagnosed in recent years.

For regional lung cancer (cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding tissue), five-year relative survival nearly doubled from 20 percent to 37 percent over the same time period.

For metastatic lung cancer (cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body), the five-year relative survival rate improved from 2 percent in the mid-1990s to 10 percent in recent years.

These statistics describe outcomes for large groups of people and can’t predict what will happen for any one individual. Other factors — such as the specific type of lung cancer, how the cancer responds to treatment, overall health, and access to care — also play an important role in prognosis (outlook).

What This Means for People Living With Lung Cancer

If you’re living with lung cancer, these survival trends may offer reassurance that treatment options and outcomes are improving over time. Still, decisions about treatment and follow-up care are personal and should be made with a healthcare provider who understands your specific situation.

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