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Medical glossary

Cure

Doctors use the word “cure” carefully. It usually means no signs of disease for many years and a very low chance of it coming back.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An older couple walking together along a tree-lined autumn path
Figure 1.Cure: many years without signs of disease

01Short answer

Remission is an early stage; cure is judged over time, with long-term follow-up. For some types of leukaemia and some patients the aim is cure; for others the aim is to keep the disease under control for a long time (for example in CML). If your doctor avoids saying “you are cured”, it is not bad news; it is precision.

02Simple explanation

A careful word.

Many years.

Different from remission.

Control is also a goal.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: cure is used to mean that cancer has not come back for a long time after treatment.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Why the caution

The risk of return falls over years.

Years
Figure 2.Illustration: Years — Cure

Control

For some types, long-term stability is the goal.

Careful words
Figure 3.Careful words — Cure

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why the cautionThe risk of return falls over years.
ControlFor some types, long-term stability is the goal.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Long-term follow-up
Check-ups for years after treatment.
Control
Keeping the disease stable.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Am I cured?

Only your doctor can say, after time has passed.

When will we know?

It depends on the type; ask your doctor.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Am I cured?

  2. When will we know?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cure
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: remission
  3. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute myeloid leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute promyelocytic leukemia
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chronic myelogenous leukemia
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: fusion gene
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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