Cancer remains a topic that many shy away from, despite its frequent discussion.
It’s a disease that touches countless lives globally, with some forms being more manageable than others. Dr. Waqqas Tai, a cancer specialist, is well-versed in the severity of various cancers.
He regularly offers health advice online and recently shared insights on what he considers the most “lethal” cancers. In a sobering revelation on TikTok, watched by hundreds, he listed five types of cancer that typically leave patients with less than a year to live upon diagnosis.
While you may have heard of some of them before, others may not be as well-known. He outlined the key ones you need to know about.
Stage four pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Among the most aggressive is stage four pancreatic adenocarcinoma – a particularly vicious form of pancreatic cancer. Those diagnosed with this late-stage cancer generally have about one year left.
The disease is notoriously difficult to treat, with only 25% of patients in England surviving beyond a year post-diagnosis, and a mere 7% living past five years. Over the last thirty years, survival rates have barely improved.
Stage four liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Another formidable diagnosis is stage four liver hepatocellular carcinoma, which represents the most severe progression of liver cancer. When diagnosed at this stage, it usually indicates that the cancer has extensively spread to other organs, signifying a grave prognosis.
While further research is required to fully understand the relationship between liver cancer and life expectancy, some studies have shed light on the topic. One such study conducted by Cancer Research UK suggests that patients diagnosed with stage four metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma typically have a life expectancy ranging from four to 11 months.
Stage four esophageal cancer
Stage four esophageal cancer research by Cancer Research indicates that only five out of 100 people (5%) diagnosed with this stage of the disease will survive for four years or more. Common symptoms of this rare cancer, which develops when malignant cells form in the esophagus, may include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, weight loss or increased acid reflux.
Extensive stage small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer characterized by its rapid spread to other parts of the body, earning it a “highly aggressive” designation. The prognosis is generally poor, with an estimated five-year survival rate of around 5% to 10% and rare instances of disease-free survival.
Glioblastoma multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme, also known as a grade four astrocytoma, is a “fast-growing and aggressive” brain tumor that typically invades nearby brain tissue but rarely spreads to other organs. Due to the rapid multiplication of tumor cells, treating this cancer can be challenging, as malignant cells often infiltrate other brain areas before medical professionals can remove the tumor.
Following diagnosis, the five-year survival rate for patients with this disease is a mere 6.9%. Typically, patients diagnosed with this condition only survive up to eight months.
How is cancer graded?
The grading of cancer is based on the appearance of cancer cells under a microscope, which aids doctors in determining the potential speed of growth and spread of the cancer. Grades range from one to four, with one being low grade and four being the most aggressive type.
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the specific type of cancer. While some symptoms could indicate cancer, it’s not always the case.
If you have any health concerns, it’s crucial to consult your GP. The NHS website also provides a variety of tools and guidance that may be beneficial.
However, if you notice any changes or have concerns, seeking medical advice is always recommended.