What exactly does "a 5 year survival rate of 70-80%" mean?

Question:

A while ago my wife was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. The Doctors are all very vague about everything. From what I've read, EVERYONE with Ewing's dies eventually - Is 5 years the limit and she has a 70-80% chance of making it, or is there a chance she can live another 30 or 40 years (she's only 27)? - Please Only Answer If You Really Know What You're Talking About!

Answers:
No, what that means is that 5 years after diagnosis, 70-80% of patients are still alive.

If you haven't, here is a link to survivors, maybe you can listen to some of their stories for encouragement.

http://abc-survivors.net/

You have my deepest sympathies and I hope for nothing but the best for you and your wife. My mother died of cancer 45 years ago, and I still remember how much she suffered.

First, as you know, everyone dies.
The formula you have been given is an average. Anyone can fall below or beyond an average. New treatments develop all the time. A dear friend w/ a 2 year average is alive 4.5 years later and stable.
On the average, 70-80% of the people with this dease will still be alive in 5 years.
God's speed and please stick with her.

I'm pretty sure it means she has a 70-80% chance to survive past 5 years. I dont know if the percentage drops or raises after that.

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What exactly does "a 5 year survival rate of 70-80%" mean?

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