FAQ – Mesothelioma Prognosis & Survivors

Prognosis

Q: What is a prognosis?

Patients receive a prognosis to understand what their future with the disease looks like and how long they’re expected to live. This also helps them decide what they can do to improve their odds of survival.

Q: How can I improve my prognosis?

Patients who take control of their own prognosis have the best chance of improving and surpassing it. By seeing a mesothelioma specialist for treatment, being included in clinical trials, and living healthy, patients can move beyond a prognosis. Let us help you improve your prognosis by connecting you to a specialist with our free Doctor Match program.

Q: Are prognoses usually accurate?

A prognosis is an educated guess. Mesothelioma survivor Paul Kraus said it best: “I accepted my diagnosis, and ignored my prognosis.” He’s alive 14 years later.

Q: How much do factors such as, age, gender, smoking, stage, location, and type affect a patient’s prognosis?

Each patient has a unique prognosis based upon their own specific diagnosis and overall health. A prognosis is not one-size-fits-all. The more complications a patient has, the poorer the prognosis will be, but remember, everything can be improved and adjusted.