Overview
Age at diagnosis influences mesothelioma prognosis primarily through its effect on treatment options. Younger patients are more often able to tolerate aggressive treatments like surgery and multimodal therapy.
How This Affects Your Prognosis
Age is considered alongside overall health when determining treatment eligibility. Fit older patients may still be candidates for aggressive treatment, while younger patients in poor health may not.
Survival Statistics
These statistics represent median survival times from research studies. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on multiple factors and ongoing treatment advances.
Under 50
18-24 months
Better able to tolerate aggressive treatment
50-64
14-18 months
Good treatment candidates if healthy
65-74
10-14 months
Treatment depends on overall health
75+
6-10 months
Focus often on quality of life
Key Points
- Younger patients often tolerate aggressive treatment better
- Overall health matters more than age alone
- Fit older patients can still be surgery candidates
- Treatment decisions are individualized
Improving Your Outcomes
While some factors are fixed, there are steps you can take to potentially improve your prognosis:
- Maintain overall health and fitness
- Manage other medical conditions
- Find specialists experienced with your age group
- Discuss all treatment options regardless of age
Statistics Are Not Your Story
Survival statistics are averages that include patients diagnosed years ago, before many current treatment advances. Every patient is unique, and many people outlive their initial prognosis. Focus on finding the best treatment team and exploring all your options.
Next Steps
Understanding your prognosis is just one part of your mesothelioma journey. Take action to optimize your care.