Stage 4 means cancer has spread to multiple organs.
But all cancers are not the same.
For example Lance Armstrong had stage 4 testicular cancer that spread to his brain in 1996.
Then won all those bicycle races.
But all cancers are not the same.
For example Lance Armstrong had stage 4 testicular cancer that spread to his brain in 1996.
Then won all those bicycle races.
In other words, had he gone to a doctor earlier, it's quite possible he would have had a "routine" testicular cancer diagnosis with a much better prognosis and recovery.
I mention this because testicular cancer is more common than most people recognize and his story should be more a testament to "get checked early and often" vs "look at the power of the human spirit!".
Caught at its earliest, testicular cancer is basically curable with a 99% 5 year relative survival rate. Even if you catch it early-ish, you're still looking at 96%. The odds take a big dive to 73% once it spreads. [1]
The self-exam is exceedingly easy to do, and once you get the hang of it you can do it in maybe a minute or two in the shower with near zero impact to your routine/schedule. [2]
[1] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/detection-di...
[2] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/detection-di...