How Long Will I Live With Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?

Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the white blood cells. The prognosis and life expectancy for someone with WM can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. It's important to remember that statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients, and they can't predict what will happen in any individual case.

What do statistics say about the life expectancy for someone with Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?

According to the American Cancer Society, the overall 5-year survival rate for people with WM is about 78%, and the 10-year survival rate is about 64%. However, these statistics can be misleading as they don't take into account recent improvements in treatment. Many people with WM live much longer than these statistics suggest. It's also worth noting that because WM is slow-growing and often diagnosed in older adults, some people may die from other causes before the WM becomes life-threatening.

What factors affect prognosis for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?

• Age: Younger patients generally have a better prognosis than older ones.
• Overall health: Patients who are otherwise healthy tend to have a better prognosis.
• Stage of the disease: Like most cancers, WM is more treatable in its early stages.
• Response to treatment: Patients who respond well to initial treatment often have a better prognosis.
• Presence of symptoms: Patients who have symptoms at diagnosis tend to have a worse prognosis.

It's important to remember that these are general factors and the prognosis can vary greatly from person to person. The treating physician will be able to provide the most accurate prognosis based on the individual's specific circumstances.

Having a WM specialist on your team provides you with the best way of truly understanding your prognosis. Visit HealthTree's WM Specialist Directory to find an expert near you. You can also join HealthTree's social media platform, HealthTree Connect to meet other patients and learn what they've done personally to live longer with WM. 

Want to Learn More About Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?

Keep reading HealthTree for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia's 101 pages!

• What Is Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?
• How Is Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Diagnosed?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?
• How Is Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Staged And Classified?
• What Are Treatments For Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia?