Remission means that the signs and symptoms of your cancer are reduced. Remission can be partial or complete. In a complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. If you remain in complete remission for 5 years or more, some doctors may say that you are cured.

What does in remission mean?

(reh-MIH-shun) A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although cancer still may be in the body.

Is being in remission the same as cancer free?

Remission allows for the possibility that some microscopic, undetectable cancer remains in the body, while cancer-free indicates exactly what it sounds like: the patient is entirely free of cancer.