From the effectiveness of treatments and new treatment options to a patient’s genetics and unknown influences, numerous factors can change a patient’s survival rate. Some determining factors include:
The stage at diagnosis. Survival rates differ significantly based on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. In the early stages, before the cancer has metastasized throughout the body, a patient has a better prognosis and survival rate than in later stages.
Tumor location. Where the tumor is located can affect the survival rate by determining the treatment options available. With a difficult treatment location, a patient may be ineligible for surgery and may therefore have a reduced survival rate.
The age and gender of the patient. Factors that are specific to the patient can also affect mesothelioma survival rates. Studies have found, for instance, that female patients have overall better survival rates than male patients. Studies also show that younger patients have a higher survival rate than older patients.