The Concept of Cure in Cancer: Should Oncologists Use This Word?

Today, we are beginning to hear the word "cure" more often in cancer care. Modern treatment approaches, particularly immunotherapies and targeted therapies, can provide long survival even in advanced cancers. In some cases, metastatic cancer has even been observed to become a chronic disease. These developments are prompting oncologists to reconsider their cautious approach to using the word "cure." Nevertheless, important scientific and ethical debates about its use continue.

Why the Word "Cure" Matters to People with Cancer

For patients diagnosed with cancer, the greatest hope is for the disease to disappear completely. However, when sharing this good news, oncologists often avoid the word "cure" (complete recovery / a full return to health). Instead, they prefer expressions such as "remission", "no evidence of disease" or "most likely cured".

But is it appropriate to use the word "cure" in cancer care? How great is its impact on patients? Let us consider the issue in light of scientific evidence.

Use of the Word "Cure" in Clinical Practice

One of the main reasons oncologists avoid the word "cure" is that the possibility of the disease returning in the future is not completely zero.

Oncologists are concerned that the word "cure" may be understood as a promise, leading to a loss of trust if the disease later returns.

Cure in Cancer: Is the Definition Clear?

The absence of a clear definition of "cure" in cancer also makes the word difficult to use.

• According to the US National Cancer Institute (US-NCI), cure means that no cancer cells remain in the body after treatment and that the disease will never return.

• The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), meanwhile, defines "cure" as the disease not recurring for at least five years.

Differences between these definitions make it difficult for oncologists to use definitive language with their patients. Although remaining disease-free for 10 years may theoretically mean a "cure," some types of cancer can have late recurrences (relapses).

The Likelihood of Cure by Cancer Type

For certain cancers, evidence supports the use of the word "cure." For example:

• Early-stage breast cancer: Five-year survival is nearly 100%. However, there is a risk of late recurrence depending on the tumor subtype.

• Metastatic melanoma: According to the CheckMate 067 trial, patients treated with the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab had an average overall survival of 6 years. In the trial, some patients receiving immunotherapy died of causes unrelated to melanoma, suggesting that they may have been "cured."

• Triple-negative breast cancer: The risk of recurrence is high during the first 2-3 years, but many patients who remain disease-free after five years achieve long-term survival.

Although these findings suggest that the word "cure" may be appropriate for some cancers, experts emphasize that the possibility of late recurrence makes oncologists cautious.

Use of the Word "Cure" in Oncology Clinics

Studies show a substantial divide among oncologists over using the word "cure":

• In a survey of 117 oncologists, 81% said they were reluctant to use the word "cure."

• In an Italian study conducted in 2024, a survey of 224 doctors and 249 patients found that more than 90% believed people with cancer could be "cured," and 80% thought that using the word "cure" had a positive effect on patients.

These differing views show that the word "cure" remains controversial within the oncology community.

Cancer Survivors and the Psychological Effects of the Word "Cure"

Although many patients experience temporary relief when told that their disease has gone, fear of cancer recurrence can persist for years. In one study, one-third of 229 survivors of childhood cancer reported fearing that the disease would return even years later. This also applies to adults who have had cancer.

Learning to live with uncertainty and manage anxiety can improve patients' well-being. Therefore, although the word "cure" may reassure patients in the short term, it may not completely remove their concerns over the longer term.

Conclusion: Should Oncologists Use the Word "Cure"?

Although advances in cancer treatment make the word "cure" increasingly reasonable for some patients, oncologists still prefer cautious language. This reflects both scientific uncertainty and patients' psychological circumstances.

In summary, the use of the word "cure" should be considered carefully in relation to the patient's cancer type, stage, time elapsed and individual psychological circumstances. Perhaps the best approach is to explain the facts using scientific evidence while offering a hopeful yet realistic perspective.