Can someone heal from stage 4 cancer?

[Purpledragonz]

Just that really. I know nothing about cancer (someone in the family went through this, not me) and I'm sorry if I come across as ignorant. But all the research I did online has only confused me further.

It does depend on the type of cancer, but I'm sorry to say but no, usually stage 4 cancer is uncurable. Sometimes people can live with it for years having treatment, but it isn't (usually) possible to cure it.

Thank you for your reply.
That's what I was fearing. Said person has been on remission for quite some time with no more treatment, so I thought he could be considered healed one day

It is definitely possible for some people! That's great news that they're in remission. You can have complete or partial remission. Complete is when they can't see any cancer at the moment ("No Evidence of Disease"), and partial is when the cancer is still there but its stable and not growing right now.

If there is no sign of any cancer for 5 years, that is considered "cured" I believe. It's rare for stage 4, but does happen.

Thank you so much!

Stage 4 cancer is the highest stage, so it’s the most serious. Cancer Research says it’s defined as:

“Stage 4 means the cancer has spread from where it started to another body organ. For example to the liver or lung. This is also called secondary or metastatic cancer.”

Once cancer has metastasised (spread) then it’s no longer a case of operating or localised treatment to contain/eliminate it; it’s going to eventually kill you.

But, some cancers spread quickly and some slowly. Some can be contained or their growth arrested by treatment fur many years. So “stage 4”, whilst terminal, is not an instant death sentence.

It’s very hard to predict with certainty.

People can be in remission for years with some types of cancer, I have a colleague who is 3 years into remission but he still has the cancer so basically it's been kept at bay for 3 years following treatment. And he will likely need more treatment in the next few years sadly. His cancer is terminal.

It's rare but yes, people can completely recover from stage 4. I've heard of this twice.

You can be no evidence of disease for a long time sometimes. I know someone who is about 15 years living with stage 4. But it’s extremely rare for someone to be completely cured of stage 4.

This may provide some encouragement:
https://www.westislandblog.com/mei-lin-yee-cancer-survivor-pays-it-forward/

Unfortunately, no.

stage 1, yes… stage 2, maybe… 3, unlikely, and so forth. Very sorry OP

Thank you all for your replies.
If it changes anything, the type of cancer is lymphoma

Stage 4 lymphoma can be curable. Especially in the cases of certain lymphomas eg. Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Also some paediatric cancers (eg neuroblastoma) can be cured at stage 4. It's not as simple as stage 4 cancer is never curable.

Yes it’s definitely curable, I know 3 people now who were stage 4 and all cured and alive.

Yes, it's possible and definitely so with lymphoma. Do you know which lymphoma it is?

A very close relative of mine was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Had lots of treatment and was declared by doctors cancer-free just over a year ago. So far scans are coming back clear. Obviously that might change.
I know someone else who was also diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. She's been clear for several years now.
The information out there is very confusing.

I know I'm late to this thread but I just want to quote this as sorry but you're so wrong, and this could be really upsetting to people with a cancer diagnosis.
Stage 3 with some cancers is still classed as early stage and totally treatable and curable. Obviously it depends what it is but each type is very different.
Please don't make sweeping statements like this.

DH was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer in April. It was in his tonsil. He has been told that it is curable, when he asked if he could have that in writing the answer was yes! He finished six weeks of radical radiotherapy, five days a week on the 16th of August. Thankful for wonderful treatment from GP, and three hospitals.

If you’re worried about cancer or have any questions, the best resource is Cancer Research UK’s About Cancer website

They also have a helpline staffed by cancer nurses who can answer questions if you’re overwhelmed by the amount of information available: 0808 800 4040

“Curable” means you survive five years, though. It’s not what a layman might imagine. Treatable and curable mean different things too.

FIL has stage 4 and has had it for almost 5 years now. I’d describe him as living with a chronic disease.

We have chemo, it knocks the cancer progress back and then a break and the cancer regrows. He’s had holidays, stayed mobile and in his own home and has even done some extreme sports.

He’s just celebrated his 80th and he’s considering it a triumph over cancer as “he’s made it to the age where people die of other stuff now”

Not always clear cut as to how people feel/approach stage 4

I'm not going into nitpicking. Someone with cancer could read the previous post and worry unnecessarily. It's wrong to put cancer as a whole in such black and white categories.

Totally agree with @silencebythelakeside. This is far too simplistic & just incorrect. It could really upset & confuse someone. And I say this as someone with stage 4.