25% is actually pretty good odds. That would make it a worthwhile investment. The important part of the question is "you", as in 'Would YOU have a surgery that

25% is actually pretty good odds. That would make it a worthwhile investment. The important part of the question is "you", as in 'Would YOU have a surgery that only increased 5yr survival to 25%?'. If you are not the one threatened, it's easy to say 'Nah. I wouldn't bother.' But when the rubber hits the road, and you have to make that life or death decision for yourself, even a 1% chance might be worthwhile. Disclaimer, or whatever: I had to decide on a triple cardiac bypass with only a day or two to decide. I had lightly gone in for a "routine" angiogram, only to be told "We're not sure if we'll let you go home tonight. That artery could go at any time at all". Obviously I decided to go ahead with the surgery. That was 18 years ago.