Prognosis is a medical term for the predicted outcome of a disease or condition — how it is likely to progress, what the recovery chances are, and the expected impact on quality of life. It is an estimate, not a certainty.
The word "prognosis" comes from the Greek progignōskein, meaning "to know beforehand." In medicine, prognosis refers to the predicted course and outcome of a medical condition — including the likelihood of recovery, the risk of recurrence, the expected quality of life, and in serious conditions, the likely survival duration. Prognosis is distinct from diagnosis (identifying what condition a patient has) and from treatment (the plan to address that condition).
A prognosis is an estimate based on statistical data from studies of many patients with the same condition, combined with the individual patient's specific circumstances — age, overall health, stage or severity of disease, response to treatment, and other factors. It is expressed in various ways: as survival rates (e.g., "5-year survival rate"), recovery likelihood (e.g., "most patients fully recover"), or expected functional outcomes.
Important nuances: prognosis is always probabilistic, not deterministic. A 70% five-year survival rate means that in studies, 70 of every 100 similar patients were alive at 5 years — it does not tell any individual patient which group they will be in. Advances in treatment, early detection, and individual factors can all influence outcomes beyond population statistics. Korea's healthcare system — major hospitals, community health centres, and private clinics — provides access to treatments and monitoring that can positively influence prognosis for many conditions.
Key Points
- Predicted outcome of a disease — recovery likelihood, progression, survival
- An estimate based on population data, not a certainty for individuals
- Depends on disease stage/severity, age, overall health, and treatment response
- Expressed as survival rates, recovery likelihood, or functional outcomes
- Different from diagnosis (what it is) and treatment (what to do about it)
- Ask your doctor to explain your prognosis in plain language
When to See a Doctor
- Ask your doctor to explain your prognosis in detail — including what factors may improve or worsen it
- For a second opinion if you have a serious diagnosis and want confirmation
- For palliative care or supportive services if prognosis indicates serious or terminal illness
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: May 29, 2026