ON THIS PAGE: You will find information about the number of people who are diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma each year. You will also read general information on surviving the disease. Remember, survival rates depend on several factors. Use the menu to see other pages.
Before the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were widespread, Kaposi sarcoma was extremely rare in the United States, with about 2 people diagnosed for every 1 million people. By the early 1990s, that rate had increased to about 47 people per 1 million people due to HIV/AIDS. However, this number has significantly decreased in recent years to about 6 cases per 1 million people because of more effective treatments for HIV/AIDS. About 1 in 200 transplant recipients in the United States develops Kaposi sarcoma. Worldwide, an estimated 34,270 people were diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma in 2020.
In 2020, an estimated 15,086 people died from Kaposi sarcoma globally.
The 5-year survival rate tells you what percent of people live at least 5 years after the cancer is found. Percent means how many out of 100. The 5-year survival rate for people with Kaposi sarcoma is 74%. If the cancer is localized, the 5-year survival rate is 81%. If the cancer is regional, the 5-year survival rate is 63%. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 40%.
More effective treatments for HIV/AIDS are improving the survival rate both by treating the infections associated with HIV/AIDS and the Kaposi sarcoma. Other factors also affect survival, including the risk grouping of Kaposi sarcoma.
It is important to remember that statistics on the survival rates for people with Kaposi sarcoma are an estimate. The estimate comes from annual data based on the number of people with this cancer in the United States. Also, experts measure the survival statistics every 5 years. This means the estimate may not reflect the results of advancements in how Kaposi sarcoma is diagnosed or treated from the last 5 years. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about this information. Learn more about understanding statistics.
Statistics adapted from the websites of the American Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. (All sources accessed January 2022.)
The next section in this guide is Risk Factors and Prevention. It describes the factors that may increase the chance of developing Kaposi sarcoma and what may lower your risk. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.