Remission Timeline for Squamous Carcinoma

ben1970 · New User Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 1

Hi all,

First of all, a quick intro. I was diagnosed with a squamous carcinoma in a birthmark on my nose in early 2005. Luckily, I picked up on the change to my birthmark very quickly and thanks to my doctor and a good consultant dermatologist, the carcinoma was removed in a very simple day surgery procedure in August 2005. Since then, my birthmark has been absolutely fine, with no reoccurence of the carcinoma. I take good care of my nose, making sure I cover my birthmark with total sunblock when I go out and about.

My question is about remission timelines for cancers of this form. The reason I'm asking is because I trying to join the Australian Air Force and the fact that I have some history with cancer could mean my application will be unsuccessful. I'm trying to present a positive spin on my history with the carcinoma, namely I didn't require any time off work, it didn't affect my day-to-day life in any shape or form (apart from the worry!) and there has been no reoccurrence since the carcinoma was excised.

Is there an medically accepted remission period for something like a basic carcinoma?

I understand that for the very serious forms of cancer, a 5-year remission period is considered the norm.

P.S. Lots of really good information on this forum, very glad I found it.

brainman

I think that 5 years without detectable evidence of disease is pretty much a universal definition of remission. Personally, I kind of hold my breath when I read someone posting 1 year after diagnosis (sometimes way less) that they are in remission. Since my original prognosis was 10% chance of living more than 10 years, I waited 10 years to say that I was in remission... and even then with some hesitancy. Now, I just say that at my last scan, I had NED (no evidence of disease). But I am one of the ones on the conservative side of the issue.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendroglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

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