Stats

birdiequeen
birdiequeen Member Posts: 319
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Why are the "stats" out dated. When will the National Cancer Institute post new stats on EC? I keep hearing that the survival rate is getting better and that what you find on the internet is dated. Why? Is there a time table we can expect to see updated information?

Comments

  • DanaM
    DanaM Member Posts: 29
    #2
    It's disheartening, incorrect and uncalled for...
    Knowing today that you have to be your own advocate when you are diagnosed with a disease in many cases, knowing that most people turn to the internet, the very organization who sponsors this site (even expressing that their figures are based on information that is several years old) report that only 37% of people survive past 5 years with localized EC. In 2006, this number was reported at 73%. www.medpagetoday.com (Article-Survival Rates for Esophageal Cancer Climb) In a study done in Japan published on acancer.net, survival rates for stage one patients with surgery alone was 86%. I don't believe any of these articles have taken into account the use of MIE, with a trimodality treatment approach. Anyone reading this-please take heart and do not be discouraged. It's painfully obvious that currently-the majority of publically available, comprehensive information on this subject is not available. EC cancer in and of itself seems to be treated like a second class citizen because it is not as widespread as many other cancers which puts this on the back burner. By the grace of God, there are phyicians like Dr. Luketich in Pittsburgh who I wouldn't have found without the Marshalls, who have dedicated their lives in search of, finding and perfecting treatments that give people hope for a total cure. And as my mother's oncologist says, "Only God knows anyways..." But I recognize there are people who don't know the Lord, I realize there are people who trust statistics and don't understand that those that are currently available are outdated and none-comprehensive. For anyone using this site to look up survival rates related to EC-DON'T, and continue to be encouraged. Birdiequeen, I've been thinking on that same note, just the last day and a half. I've been upset with what I've been seeing related to the issue and I thank you for bringing up the subject. There are people right now reading that stuff and feeling defeated for no good reason.... Folks, please don't let the weapon of incorrect information prosper and take away your hope. If anyone reading this has any links to updated information or publications done by doctors who are actively engaged in treating this disease, please post the links. I will be going "in search of" myself. Thank you again/BQ:)
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389
    #3
    DanaM said:

    It's disheartening, incorrect and uncalled for...
    Knowing today that you have to be your own advocate when you are diagnosed with a disease in many cases, knowing that most people turn to the internet, the very organization who sponsors this site (even expressing that their figures are based on information that is several years old) report that only 37% of people survive past 5 years with localized EC. In 2006, this number was reported at 73%. www.medpagetoday.com (Article-Survival Rates for Esophageal Cancer Climb) In a study done in Japan published on acancer.net, survival rates for stage one patients with surgery alone was 86%. I don't believe any of these articles have taken into account the use of MIE, with a trimodality treatment approach. Anyone reading this-please take heart and do not be discouraged. It's painfully obvious that currently-the majority of publically available, comprehensive information on this subject is not available. EC cancer in and of itself seems to be treated like a second class citizen because it is not as widespread as many other cancers which puts this on the back burner. By the grace of God, there are phyicians like Dr. Luketich in Pittsburgh who I wouldn't have found without the Marshalls, who have dedicated their lives in search of, finding and perfecting treatments that give people hope for a total cure. And as my mother's oncologist says, "Only God knows anyways..." But I recognize there are people who don't know the Lord, I realize there are people who trust statistics and don't understand that those that are currently available are outdated and none-comprehensive. For anyone using this site to look up survival rates related to EC-DON'T, and continue to be encouraged. Birdiequeen, I've been thinking on that same note, just the last day and a half. I've been upset with what I've been seeing related to the issue and I thank you for bringing up the subject. There are people right now reading that stuff and feeling defeated for no good reason.... Folks, please don't let the weapon of incorrect information prosper and take away your hope. If anyone reading this has any links to updated information or publications done by doctors who are actively engaged in treating this disease, please post the links. I will be going "in search of" myself. Thank you again/BQ:)

    stats
    My husband's oncologist and radiation oncologist gave us the current stat of 39% for I believe one year suvival with stage III. This was in September of 2010. My husband is presently cancer free after a MIE in January and I pray that the percentage is higher.........

    Linda
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #4
    Welcome
    Hello Birdiequeen and welcome to our ec discussion board family. I was a caregiver for my dad. He fought the ec battle for 2 years and lost when the ec went to his liver. I would suggest that you do not research too much. You will become very overwhelmed. Statistics are just a number. Everyone responds to this cancer and the treatments and surgery differently. The best place to find info. is from your dr. and coming to this site. These people have been through it all. Dx, treatment, surgery, and recovery. There are many survivors here. Hope this helps. Keep in touch.
    Tina in Va
  • birdiequeen
    birdiequeen Member Posts: 319
    #5
    New stats due out April 15th.
    I’m just a numbers person. They don’t discourage me. They encourage, if anything. I did find out today from the National Cancer Institute that they will have new SEER (surveillance, Epidemiology and end results) for 2008 published on April 15. Right now the stats just go through 2007. I also read the new staging on the Cancer network, someone on another post said they could not find it on the web. So if you are interested try the Cancer Network. They gave some stats but didn’t give the origin of the stats (might be from china), that showed more favorable numbers. Also on the National Cancer Institute there are updates that show esophageal cancer as one of the four cancers with an increasing occurrence. The good news is it also shows the budget has increased in fighting this type of cancer. Real life stories are important and have been a life saver literally but sometimes they make me question treatment plans we are experiencing. Since my husband was one of the fortunate ones that caught his cancer in a very early stage, which is not common, his treatment plan has been slightly different.
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #6
    Hi, My surgery was in May
    Hi, My surgery was in May 2008 for stage 111 with three lymph nodes in stomach. Today I am cancer free. I've beaten the one yr.39% odds. My surgeon told me a week ago, after a barrium swallow and x-ray I was 90% cured. I'll take that stat, even though I think 100%.
    This site is so good because we can share true life experiences with this desease and encourage others not to think of themselves as a stat.
    I'm Like others, I do go to the sites and read all the info., so I ,like you .wish they would upddate to yr. 2011.
    Sandra
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389
    #7
    sandy1943 said:

    Hi, My surgery was in May
    Hi, My surgery was in May 2008 for stage 111 with three lymph nodes in stomach. Today I am cancer free. I've beaten the one yr.39% odds. My surgeon told me a week ago, after a barrium swallow and x-ray I was 90% cured. I'll take that stat, even though I think 100%.
    This site is so good because we can share true life experiences with this desease and encourage others not to think of themselves as a stat.
    I'm Like others, I do go to the sites and read all the info., so I ,like you .wish they would upddate to yr. 2011.
    Sandra

    Congratulations!
    Congratulations Sandra! I agree you are 100%~!

    Linda
  • birdiequeen
    birdiequeen Member Posts: 319
    #8
    sandy1943 said:

    Hi, My surgery was in May
    Hi, My surgery was in May 2008 for stage 111 with three lymph nodes in stomach. Today I am cancer free. I've beaten the one yr.39% odds. My surgeon told me a week ago, after a barrium swallow and x-ray I was 90% cured. I'll take that stat, even though I think 100%.
    This site is so good because we can share true life experiences with this desease and encourage others not to think of themselves as a stat.
    I'm Like others, I do go to the sites and read all the info., so I ,like you .wish they would upddate to yr. 2011.
    Sandra

    You are right people are not stats
    Sandra,

    You are so right people are not stats. Your experiance is a great comfort to us. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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