When detected in time, any type of cancer can respond to treatment. However, there are types of cancer in which a favourable outcome is more common. In addition, diagnostics in Germany today make it possible to determine the stage precisely and start the right treatment immediately.
Cancers with the best prognosis
Below are approximate five-year relative survival rates from German cancer registries (Robert Koch Institute). In early stages the figures are even higher.
| Type of cancer | Five-year survival (all stages) |
| Testicular cancer | about 96 % |
| Skin melanoma | about 92–94 % |
| Thyroid cancer | about 90–94 % |
| Prostate cancer | about 89–91 % |
| Breast cancer | about 87–88 % |
| Hodgkin lymphoma | about 85–90 % |
| Endometrial cancer | about 78–80 % |
| Colorectal cancer | about 63–65 %, in stage I more than 90 % |
What you need to know
With timely diagnosis, breast cancer and cervical cancer can be overcome in most cases. That is why regular visits to the gynaecologist and mammography are important, especially if you are in a risk group (for example, if there have been cases in your family).
Skin cancer can also very likely be cured in early stages. Its most common types — basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin — rarely metastasise. A more dangerous type is melanoma, but it is much rarer and, if detected early, is cured by surgical removal.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. As long as the tumour has not spread beyond the prostate, it is cured in more than 95 % of cases. The main difficulty is that there are often no signs in the early stage. Men over 45–50 are therefore advised to discuss the PSA test with a urologist regularly, and to start earlier if close relatives have had prostate cancer.
Testicular cancer is less common, but it is the most frequent tumour in young men and is usually diagnosed between 25 and 45. It may cause pain or heaviness in the scrotum, but there may be no pain at all. It is therefore important to examine and feel the scrotum yourself at least once a month. Any lump is a reason to see a urologist. Even with metastases, testicular cancer is cured in most cases.
When detected in time, bowel cancer can very likely be cured. It is most often diagnosed in patients over 65, but it can occur earlier. Colonoscopy should therefore be part of check-ups from the age of 50, and earlier if there is a genetic predisposition.
What improves the prognosis in any cancer
- screening and examinations before symptoms appear;
- precise diagnosis: stage, histology and molecular features of the tumour;
- a treatment decision by an interdisciplinary tumour board;
- treatment in a centre with extensive experience in this particular cancer;
- completing the whole treatment programme and follow-up.
Taking care of your health is an important factor in the success of any treatment. Pay attention both to prevention and to the choice of medical centre after diagnosis. You can find out about treatment programmes and prices in Germany on our website.
