Skip to nav Skip to content

Nurse speaking with patient about astrocytoma survival rates

After being diagnosed with cancer, it’s normal for a patient to want to know their prognosis and ask about the survival rate of their disease. When discussing the survival rate for astrocytoma, individuals should remember that the statistics are based on data from thousands of patients. There are numerous factors that influence each individual patient’s prognosis, including the stage of their cancer at diagnosis, their age and overall health, the kind of treatment they receive and more. Therefore, the astrocytoma survival rate can’t be used to predict the prognosis for an individual patient, and should only be relied on to discuss outcomes for patients with this type of brain tumor on a large scale.

What do cancer survival rates really mean?

The survival rate for any particular type of cancer is presented as the percentage of patients who are still living past a certain number of years following their initial diagnosis. So, the five-year survival rate for astrocytoma reflects the percentage of patients who survived at least five years after being diagnosed with astrocytoma.

The American Cancer Society provides the following five-year survival rates for a few of the most common types of astrocytoma:  

Diffuse (low-grade) astrocytoma

  • 73% for patients ages 20 to 44
  • 46% for patients ages 45 to 54
  • 26% for patients ages 55 to 64

Anaplastic astrocytoma 

  • 58% for patients ages 20 to 44
  • 29% for patients ages 45 to 54
  • 15% for patients ages 55 to 64

Glioblastoma

  • 22% for patients ages 20 to 44
  • 9% for patients ages 45 to 54
  • 6% for patients ages 55 to 64

This information reflects five-year survival rates for astrocytoma patients in 2023. Pilocytic astrocytoma—a type of grade 1 astrocytoma that most often affects children and teenagers—has a five-year survival rate of 97% as of 2022.

Other factors to consider about the astrocytoma survival rate

As cancer research and treatment advance, experts believe the survival rates will continue to improve, as well. Patients being diagnosed with astrocytoma today are expected to have a better prognosis than the current survival rate. This is because the treatments that current patients are receiving are often more advanced than the treatments received by patients several years ago.

While there are many factors outside of a cancer patient’s control, there are several lifestyle factors than can help minimize cancer side effects and improve quality of life. Throughout treatment, a person with astrocytoma should:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of vegetables
  • Continue to exercise, if possible
  • Avoid tobacco use and exposure to cigarette smoke
  • Prioritize getting enough sleep
  • Accept emotional support and assistance from loved ones
  • Try stress management techniques like meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises

Moffitt's approach to astrocytoma 

Ranked in the top 1% of cancer centers by national experts, Moffitt Cancer Center offers a complete spectrum of diagnostics, treatment and supportive care to patients with astrocytoma. Our Neuro-Oncology Program includes a multispecialty team that focuses exclusively on brain tumors and leverages the latest advancements in treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes and quality of life for patients. Our survival rates often exceed national averages, and as a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (the only one based in Florida), Moffitt leads trailblazing research initiatives and clinical trials that are actively making strides in the fight against astrocytoma.

If you’d like to receive a second or third opinion regarding an astrocytoma diagnosis or discuss treatment options with a Moffitt physician, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. Referrals are not required.

References 

American Cancer Society: Survival Rates for Selected Adult Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
Cancer.net: Astrocytoma – Childhood: Statistics