As of 2026, Which Cancer in This Note Has the Lowest 5-Year Survival Rate?

Based on National Cancer Registration Statistics (2019–2023), among the six cancer types covered in this article—lung, stomach, colorectal, breast, thyroid, and prostate cancer—lung cancer has the lowest 5-year relative survival rate at 42.5%. However, survival rate is not the same as mortality rate, and it is only a population average.

Key Summary

• According to National Cancer Registration Statistics 2019–2023, the 5-year relative survival rates are: lung cancer 42.5%, stomach cancer 78.6%, colorectal cancer 75.6%, breast cancer 94.7%, thyroid cancer 100.2%, and prostate cancer 96.9%.
• The overall 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined in Korea during the same period is 73.7%. Stomach and colorectal cancer rates are above this average, while lung cancer is significantly below it.
• Lung cancer's survival rate has risen by 30 percentage points compared to patients diagnosed in 1993–1995, but among the six cancer types covered in this article, it remains the lowest.
• According to U.S. SEER data for 2016–2022, the 5-year relative survival rate for lung and bronchus cancer is reported at 29.5%, also lower than stomach cancer (39.8%), colorectal cancer (65.4%), breast cancer—female (91.9%), thyroid cancer (98.3%), and prostate cancer (98.2%).
• These figures represent nationwide statistics, not the treatment outcomes of any specific hospital. Under Korean medical law, individual hospital outcomes are not used in advertising.

Why Is Lung Cancer's Survival Rate Lower Than Other Cancers?

• For patients diagnosed in Korea during 2019–2023, lung cancer's 5-year relative survival rate was recorded at 42.5%, lower than stomach cancer (78.6%), colorectal cancer (75.6%), breast cancer (94.7%), thyroid cancer (100.2%), and prostate cancer (96.9%) during the same period (National Cancer Registration Statistics 2019–2023, Korea Central Cancer Registry, National Cancer Center).
• The note explains two background factors behind the rising survival rate. National low-dose CT screening has increased the rate of early detection, and targeted therapies matched to markers such as EGFR and ALK, along with immune checkpoint inhibitors, have changed the course of advanced-stage disease.
• The note explicitly states that this survival rate is a population average and not a number that predicts individual outcomes. Even among lung cancer patients, outcomes vary by stage, histologic type, and marker results.

Does the Same Ranking Hold True in International Comparisons?

• According to U.S. SEER data for 2016–2022, the 5-year relative survival rate for lung and bronchus cancer is 29.5%, lower than Korea's 42.5%. Both figures are nationwide statistics, not hospital-specific outcomes.
• Based on the same data, stomach cancer is reported at 39.8%, colorectal cancer at 65.4%, breast cancer (female) at 91.9%, thyroid cancer at 98.3%, and prostate cancer at 98.2%. Within these six cancer types, lung cancer shows the lowest rate in both Korean and U.S. statistics.
• However, this comparison is limited to the six cancer types covered in this article, and a comparison covering all cancer types is not included in the note.

FAQ — Does a Lower Survival Rate Mean Treatment Is Ineffective?

No. Survival rate is an average figure for an entire group of patients diagnosed during a given period, and it is not a number that predicts individual outcomes. For lung cancer, surgery remains the standard treatment at stages 1–2, and even at stage 4, targeted therapies matched to specific markers or immunotherapy can help manage disease progression. The actual treatment approach is determined individually based on stage, histologic type, marker results, and overall physical condition.

FAQ — Does This Statistic Represent a Specific Hospital's Treatment Outcomes?

No. All survival rates presented here are nationwide statistics compiled from National Cancer Registration Statistics 2019–2023 (Korea Central Cancer Registry, National Cancer Center) and U.S. SEER 2016–2022, not the outcomes of any specific hospital. Under Korean medical law, hospital-specific treatment outcomes are not used in advertising, and actual treatment results vary by individual depending on stage, markers, and overall health condition.

Sources and Notes

• This article was written based on National Cancer Registration Statistics 2019–2023 (Korea Central Cancer Registry, National Cancer Center), U.S. SEER 2016–2022, and general information at the level of patient guidelines from the National Cancer Information Center and NCCN.
• This content is intended to provide general medical information, and diagnosis, treatment methods, and outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances. Accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with medical professionals.