Lung Cancer Surgery Survival Rate: What It Means

The general statistics you see for lung cancer can be disheartening, but they don’t tell the whole story. Those numbers include everyone, regardless of the cancer stage or the treatment they receive. For people with early-stage lung cancer, surgery is one of the most effective treatments available and offers a real chance for a cure. The lung cancer surgery survival rate paints a much more hopeful picture than the overall statistics. This guide focuses specifically on the outcomes for patients who undergo surgery. We’ll explore the different types of procedures, what the data shows, and how you can prepare your body for the best possible result, giving you a clearer perspective on this powerful treatment option.

Key Takeaways

• Look beyond general survival rates: The numbers you see online are broad averages that don’t reflect your specific case. Your personal outlook depends on your unique diagnosis, overall health, and the type of surgery you have.
• Your actions before surgery make a difference: How you prepare your body directly impacts your recovery. Quitting smoking, eating well, and scheduling your procedure promptly are powerful ways to support a successful outcome.
• Trust the comprehensive evaluation process: For early-stage lung cancer, surgery often offers the best chance for a cure. Your team will only recommend it after careful testing confirms it’s the safest and most effective option for you.

What Are Lung Cancer Surgery Survival Rates?

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with lung cancer, numbers and statistics can feel overwhelming. Terms like “survival rate” are often the first things people look up, but the data can be confusing and even a little scary without the right context. It’s important to remember that these statistics are averages based on large groups of people from past years. They can’t predict what will happen in your specific situation, but they can be a useful tool for understanding your prognosis and discussing treatment options with your doctor. Think of them as a starting point for a conversation, not a final verdict.

The general survival rate for lung cancer includes everyone, regardless of the cancer stage, type, or the treatment they receive. However, for patients who are candidates for surgery, the outlook is often more positive. Surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat early-stage lung cancer, and the survival statistics for surgical patients reflect that. Understanding these numbers can help you feel more informed and prepared as you consider your next steps. Let’s break down what these numbers mean, how they are calculated, and what the data shows for patients who undergo surgery.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

When you see a statistic like “the general five-year survival rate for lung cancer is 25%,” it means that, on average, 25 out of 100 people are still alive five years after their diagnosis. It’s crucial to understand that this is a broad average across all stages and types of lung cancer. This single number includes people diagnosed at very advanced stages who may not be candidates for curative treatments like surgery. Your personal prognosis depends on many individual factors, including the specific details of your cancer and your overall health, which is why it’s so important to discuss these statistics with your care team. They can help you understand how these numbers might apply to your unique circumstances.

How Are Survival Rates Calculated?

Survival rates are a way for researchers to measure the effectiveness of treatments over time. They are typically calculated based on the percentage of patients who are still alive for a certain period—often five years—after their diagnosis or treatment. To get these numbers, researchers look at data from thousands of patients. The five-year mark is a common benchmark in cancer care, but it isn’t a finish line. Many people live long, full lives well beyond this point. Think of these rates as a snapshot from the past, not a prediction of your future. Medical advancements are happening all the time, so today’s outcomes may be even better than what these statistics show.

A Look at Overall Survival Statistics

When you narrow the focus to patients who have had lung cancer surgery, the numbers often look more encouraging. For example, one large study found that about 42% of patients were still alive five years after their surgery, and half of the patients lived for at least 3.4 years. The type of surgery also makes a big difference. For patients with early-stage lung cancer who undergo a lobectomy (removal of one lobe of the lung), the outcomes can be excellent. In fact, one study found that over 80% of these patients lived for more than 10 years after their diagnosis. These figures highlight how effective surgical treatment can be in improving long-term outcomes.

Factors That Influence Your Survival Rate

When you see survival rate statistics, it’s important to remember they are broad averages. They don’t—and can’t—predict your individual outcome. Your personal prognosis after lung cancer surgery depends on a unique combination of factors, from the specifics of your cancer to your overall health going into the procedure. Understanding these elements can help you have more informed conversations with your care team about what to expect and how you can prepare for the best possible outcome.

Your Cancer Stage and Type

One of the most significant factors in your prognosis is the stage of your cancer at the time of diagnosis. The stage of a cancer describes its size and whether it has spread. Generally, the earlier the cancer is found, the better the outcome. Research shows that patients with very early-stage lung cancer (Stage IA) have a much lower risk of shorter survival compared to those with more advanced cancer. For patients whose cancer has progressed to Stage II-IV before surgery, the risk can be over four times higher. This is why early detection and timely treatment are so critical.

Your Age and Overall Health

Your age and general health play a big role in how well you tolerate surgery and recover afterward. Studies indicate that patients aged 70 or older may face a higher risk of complications and shorter survival compared to younger patients. However, age itself isn’t the only consideration; it’s often a reflection of your overall health. Having other medical conditions, like heart disease or diabetes, can make recovery more challenging. Your care team will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure you are strong enough for the procedure and to plan for any extra support you might need during your recovery.

The Tumor’s Size and Location

The specific characteristics of the tumor, including its size and exact location in the lung, are key to planning a successful surgery. For many people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, surgery offers the best chance for a cure. Smaller tumors that are confined to one area are typically easier for surgeons to remove completely with clean margins, meaning no cancer cells are left behind. The location also determines what type of surgery is possible. Your surgeon will use detailed imaging scans to map out the tumor and decide on the safest and most effective approach for you.

Your Lung Function Before Surgery

Since the surgery involves removing part or all of a lung, your breathing capacity beforehand is a crucial factor. Your doctor will measure this with tests like a pulmonary function test (PFT). One key measurement, FEV1, shows how much air you can forcefully exhale in one second. Studies have found that patients with lower lung function (an FEV1 below 80% of the predicted value) had nearly double the risk of shorter survival. Strong lung function is essential for breathing well after surgery and reducing the risk of complications like pneumonia.

Lung Cancer Surgeries and Their Outcomes

When it comes to treating lung cancer, surgery is often a key part of the plan, especially for earlier-stage cancers. But not all lung cancer surgeries are the same. The type of operation your surgeon recommends will depend on several factors, including the size and location of your tumor, the type of lung cancer you have, and your overall health. The main goal is always to remove all of the cancer while saving as much healthy lung tissue as possible.

Think of your lungs as being divided into sections called lobes—the right lung has three, and the left has two. Surgeons use these lobes as a guide for different procedures. Some operations remove a whole lobe, while others remove just a small piece. Understanding the different types of surgery can help you feel more prepared for conversations with your medical team and know what to expect from the procedure and your recovery. Your team will walk you through the best option for your specific situation, ensuring the approach is tailored to give you the best possible outcome.

Lobectomy: Survival Rates and Benefits

A lobectomy is one of the most common surgeries for lung cancer, and it involves removing the entire lobe of the lung where the tumor is located. For many people with early-stage lung cancer, this procedure can be curative. The outcomes are often very positive; studies show that more than 80% of patients who have a lobectomy live for more than 10 years after their diagnosis. Furthermore, about 64% of patients who undergo this type of lung-sparing surgery are still cancer-free five years later. It’s a standard and effective procedure that balances removing the cancer with preserving your remaining lung function.

Pneumonectomy: Outcomes and Considerations

In some cases, the cancer is located in the center of the chest or has spread throughout the lung, making it necessary to remove the entire lung. This procedure is called a pneumonectomy. Because it’s a more extensive operation, it carries more risks and requires a longer recovery time than other lung surgeries. It’s not the right choice for everyone, and your doctors will only recommend it if you are healthy enough to live well with one lung. It’s crucial that a thoracic surgeon with significant experience performs this complex operation to ensure the best results.

Wedge Resection and Segmentectomy: What to Expect

Sometimes, a less invasive approach is the best option. A wedge resection removes a small, wedge-shaped piece of the lung that includes the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue around it. A segmentectomy removes a slightly larger portion of the lobe, known as a segment. These procedures are often recommended for patients with very small, early-stage tumors or for those who have reduced lung function and may not tolerate having an entire lobe removed. These surgeries aim to get rid of the cancer while leaving you with as much healthy lung tissue as possible.

How Your Team Recommends a Surgery Type

The decision about which surgery is right for you is not made lightly. Your healthcare team, including your surgeon and pulmonologist, will conduct a series of tests to make a recommendation. They’ll look at your pulmonary function tests to see how well your lungs are working, check your heart health, and assess your overall fitness for surgery. Their goal is to choose the procedure that will be most effective at removing the cancer while being the safest for you. Following their treatment recommendations is a critical step toward a successful recovery and healing process.

Does the Timing of Your Surgery Matter?

When you’re facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the question of when to have surgery is just as important as if you should have it. And the short answer is yes, timing matters—a lot. Research shows there’s a specific window of opportunity after your diagnosis when surgery is most effective. Acting within this timeframe can have a major impact on your long-term health and the success of your treatment. It’s one of the most critical factors you and your care team will consider when mapping out your path forward.

It’s completely normal to feel a sense of urgency, and this is one area where that feeling is backed by data. Understanding the importance of timing helps you partner with your care team to make the best possible decisions. While some delays are necessary—for things like getting a second opinion or improving your overall health before the procedure—it’s crucial to keep the clock in mind. This knowledge empowers you to ask informed questions, like “What is our target date for surgery?” and “What steps can we take to meet that goal?” It ensures your surgical plan is moving forward at the right pace, giving you the best shot at a positive outcome.

The Critical Window for Treatment

For early-stage lung cancer, research points to a critical window for treatment. This is the period where surgery is most likely to be successful. Studies show that this window is generally within 12 weeks, or about three months, of your initial diagnosis. Acting within this timeframe gives the cancer less opportunity to grow or spread, which can significantly improve your outcome. This is why, once surgery is identified as the right path for you, your oncology team will likely work to schedule your procedure promptly. It’s a key part of a proactive treatment strategy.

The Benefits of Acting Early

Scheduling your surgery within that 12-week window isn’t just about avoiding risks—it’s about gaining real, measurable benefits. Research from Washington University School of Medicine found that patients who had surgery within this timeframe had better survival rates. On average, they lived about 7.5 months longer than those whose surgeries were delayed. This data highlights how acting early can directly contribute to a better long-term prognosis. It’s a powerful reason to have an open conversation with your doctor about your surgical timeline as soon as possible.

Risks of Delaying Surgery

On the flip side, waiting too long for surgery can introduce serious risks. The same study that highlighted the benefits of acting early also showed that delaying surgery beyond the 12-week mark is associated with a higher chance of the cancer returning, a process known as recurrence. In fact, the risk of recurrence increases for every single week that surgery is postponed. This information isn’t meant to cause alarm, but to empower you. Understanding the urgency helps you advocate for yourself and work with your medical team to get your treatment underway without unnecessary delays.

Common Complications After Surgery

Any major surgery comes with potential risks, and lung cancer surgery is no exception. Being aware of the most common complications can help you and your care team prepare and take steps to prevent them. Your doctors will do everything they can to ensure a smooth procedure, but knowing what to watch for during your recovery is an important part of your own care. These issues can range from minor to serious, and managing them effectively is key to getting back on your feet and protecting your long-term health.

Pneumonia and Breathing-Related Issues

Since the surgery directly involves your lungs, it’s not surprising that respiratory issues are a primary concern afterward. Pneumonia is one of the most frequent complications, affecting a notable number of patients. General breathing difficulties can also occur as your body heals. To help prevent these problems, your care team will likely have you start deep breathing and coughing exercises soon after your procedure. A respiratory therapist might also work with you. Following their guidance is one of the best things you can do to keep your lungs clear and strong during recovery, which is crucial for a successful outcome.

Risks of Bleeding and Infection

Beyond breathing, there are other general surgical risks to consider. Your medical team will monitor you closely for issues like heavy bleeding, blood clots, and infections at the incision site. While your surgeons take extensive precautions, it’s still important to know the warning signs once you’re recovering. Be sure to report any fever, increased pain, redness, or swelling around your wound to your doctor right away. The American Cancer Society notes that these complications can significantly impact your recovery, so prompt communication with your care team is essential for addressing any problems before they become more serious.

How Complications Can Affect Long-Term Survival

The presence of complications can directly influence your long-term outlook. Managing these issues is not just about a smoother recovery—it’s also tied to survival rates. Research shows that complications are a critical factor, especially for older patients. For example, patients over 70 who experience complications may face a greater risk of shorter survival compared to younger individuals. Interestingly, some studies suggest that the development of a complication is a more significant predictor of long-term survival than factors like gender or even a history of heart disease. This highlights just how important it is to focus on a strong recovery and work closely with your team to manage any issues that arise.

How to Prepare for Surgery and Improve Your Outcome

While your surgical team handles the procedure itself, you play a huge role in preparing your body for the best possible outcome. Think of the weeks leading up to your surgery as a training period. The steps you take now can directly influence your recovery speed, reduce the risk of complications, and support your long-term health. It’s about giving your body the strength and resources it needs to heal effectively. Let’s walk through some of the most impactful ways you can get ready.

Optimize Your Health Before Your Procedure

Your care team will start by getting a clear picture of your overall health. Before scheduling your surgery, doctors will run a series of tests to make sure you’re strong enough for the procedure. This often includes lung function tests to check that you’ll have enough healthy lung tissue left to breathe comfortably after the operation. They might also check your heart health and other vital signs. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a crucial step in planning a safe and successful surgery tailored specifically to you. Use this time to ask questions and understand exactly what your body needs.

Quit Smoking to Improve Lung Function

If you smoke, the single most important thing you can do before surgery is to quit. I know this is a huge challenge, but the benefits are immediate and significant. Quitting, even just a few weeks before your procedure, can dramatically improve your lung function and circulation. This helps your body handle anesthesia better and lowers your risk of post-operative complications like pneumonia. Research shows that patients who quit smoking have better surgical outcomes. It’s a powerful step you can take to actively improve your chances of a smoother recovery and a healthier future.

Guidelines for Nutrition and Fitness

Fueling your body properly is essential for healing. Focus on a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to build up your strength before surgery and aid tissue repair afterward. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can give you personalized advice. Similarly, staying as active as your health allows can make a real difference. Gentle activities like walking can maintain muscle tone and support your circulation. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations for both nutrition and physical activity, as they will create a plan that’s safe and effective for your specific situation.

Your Recovery Timeline and Long-Term Outlook

Thinking about what comes after surgery is a significant part of your journey. Recovery is a process, not a single event, and it unfolds in stages. While everyone’s experience is unique, understanding the general timeline can help you feel more prepared for the road ahead. The first few days are focused on healing in the hospital, followed by a period of regaining your strength at home.

The long-term outlook involves a partnership with your care team. Regular check-ups and monitoring become a new routine, designed to keep you healthy and address any issues quickly. This phase is all about surveillance and managing your health for the long haul. Your active participation in this follow-up care is one of the most important things you can do for your future well-being. Let’s walk through what you can generally expect during each phase of your recovery.

The Hospital Stay and Initial Recovery

After your procedure, you’ll spend a few days in the hospital. This is a critical time for your medical team to monitor your healing and manage any immediate post-operative issues. They will keep a close watch for any potential complications and help manage your pain to keep you comfortable. You may have a temporary chest tube to drain fluid from the surgical area, which is a standard part of the process. The main goals during this initial phase are to ensure your lungs are functioning well, your pain is controlled, and you’re stable enough to continue your recovery at home.

What to Expect from Physical Rehabilitation

Once you leave the hospital, your recovery continues at home. This phase can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. It’s normal to feel tired and experience some shortness of breath as your body heals. Your doctor will likely recommend a pulmonary rehabilitation program to help you regain strength and improve your lung capacity. This often includes breathing exercises and a plan for gradually increasing your physical activity. Be patient with yourself during this time; your body has been through a lot, and rebuilding your stamina takes time and consistent effort.

Your Schedule for Follow-Up Care and Monitoring

Long-term health after lung cancer surgery depends on consistent follow-up care. It is essential to attend all your scheduled appointments, as this is how your team will monitor your progress. These visits are crucial for detecting any potential recurrence of cancer as early as possible. Your follow-up schedule will likely include regular physical exams, blood tests, and imaging scans like CT scans. These appointments are also your opportunity to discuss any lingering side effects or concerns with your doctor, ensuring you have the support you need for years to come.

How Your Team Decides if Surgery Is Right for You

Deciding on surgery is a big step, and it’s a decision your care team makes with you, not for you. They look at the full picture of your health to make sure surgery is the safest and most effective option. This involves a series of tests to assess how well your body can handle the procedure and the recovery that follows. It’s a careful, personalized process designed to give you the best possible outcome. Your doctors will weigh the potential benefits against the risks, considering everything from your lung capacity to your heart strength before making a recommendation.

Pulmonary Function Test Requirements

Before recommending surgery, your team needs to know how well your lungs are working. This is where a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) comes in. This non-invasive test measures how much air your lungs can hold and how well you can move air in and out. The goal is to ensure that after the cancerous part of your lung is removed, you’ll still have enough healthy lung tissue to breathe comfortably. It’s a critical step in planning the surgery and helps predict your quality of life afterward.

Heart Health and Fitness Assessments

Any major surgery puts stress on your body, especially your heart. That’s why your doctors will also evaluate your heart health. You might have tests like an electrocardiogram (EKG) or an exercise stress test to see how well your heart functions. This is a protective measure to confirm your heart is strong enough to handle the anesthesia, the operation, and the recovery period. A thorough cardiac evaluation is a standard part of the pre-operative process and ensures you are physically prepared for the entire journey.

Reasons You Might Not Be a Candidate for Surgery

Sometimes, after reviewing all the tests, your team may decide that surgery isn’t the best path. This can be tough to hear, but it’s a decision made with your safety as the top priority. You might not be a candidate if your lung function is too low or if you have other serious health conditions like severe heart disease. The general risks of surgery—like bleeding, infection, or reactions to anesthesia—might outweigh the benefits. If this is the case, your team will immediately discuss other effective treatment plans with you.

Common Myths About Lung Cancer Surgery Survival

When you’re facing a lung cancer diagnosis, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of information—and misinformation. Well-meaning friends, family, and online forums can sometimes spread myths that create unnecessary fear and confusion around treatment. Understanding the reality of lung cancer surgery can help you feel more in control and prepared for conversations with your care team.

Let’s clear the air and address some of the most common misconceptions about lung cancer surgery and survival. Separating fact from fiction is a critical step in making informed decisions about your health. We’ll look at the effectiveness of surgery, whether age is a barrier, and how to interpret survival statistics in a way that’s relevant to you.

Debunking Myths About Surgery’s Effectiveness

One of the most persistent myths is that surgery is a last resort or not very effective against lung cancer. The truth is quite the opposite. For patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, surgery is often the most powerful tool available and offers the best chance for a cure. The primary goal of surgical intervention is to completely remove the cancerous tumor and nearby lymph nodes before the disease has a chance to spread. When cancer is caught early, removing it can significantly improve life expectancy. Your medical team will only recommend surgery if they believe the potential benefits far outweigh the risks for your specific situation.

Age Is Not Always a Limiting Factor

It’s a common worry: “Am I too old for surgery?” While it’s true that older age can be associated with a higher risk of complications, your chronological age is just one piece of the puzzle. Your overall health, fitness level, and lung function are far more important indicators of whether you’re a good candidate for surgery. Your doctors will perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess your fitness for the procedure, looking at your heart health, breathing capacity, and any other medical conditions. The decision is never based on age alone, as many older patients can tolerate and benefit from surgical procedures just as much as younger ones.

Individual Prognosis vs. General Statistics

You may have seen statistics stating that the five-year survival rate for lung cancer is around 25%. This number can be incredibly disheartening, but it’s crucial to understand what it represents. This figure is an average across all people diagnosed with lung cancer, including every stage, type, and health status. It does not reflect the specific outlook for someone with early-stage cancer who is a candidate for surgery. In reality, patients diagnosed at an early stage who undergo surgery often experience significantly better outcomes. Your personal prognosis depends on many unique factors, so always discuss your specific outlook with your surgeon.

Key Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

Walking into a surgeon’s office can feel overwhelming, but this is your time to get the clarity you need. Being prepared with a list of questions helps you take an active role in your care and ensures you leave feeling informed, not flustered. Think of this conversation as a partnership. Your surgeon has the medical expertise, but you are the expert on your body, your life, and your priorities. The goal is to understand the procedure, what to expect afterward, and why this is the recommended path for you. Don’t ever feel like you’re asking too many questions or that any question is silly. A good surgical team wants you to be comfortable and confident in your treatment plan.

Ask About Your Personal Prognosis

While general survival rates offer a broad picture, they don’t tell your specific story. Your first question should be about your personal prognosis. Ask your surgeon to explain how your unique factors—like your cancer stage, tumor characteristics, and overall health—influence your expected outcome. For many people, lung cancer surgery is the most effective path forward, especially for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Understanding the goals of the surgery, whether it’s for a cure or to manage the cancer, will help you set realistic expectations for your recovery and life after treatment.

Discuss Potential Risks and Complications

Every medical procedure comes with potential risks, and it’s important to have an open conversation about them. Ask your surgeon to walk you through the possible complications associated with your specific surgery. These can include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, blood clots, or infections. Knowing the risks isn’t about causing fear; it’s about being fully informed. You can also ask what steps the hospital takes to prevent these issues and what signs you should watch for during your recovery. This knowledge empowers you to be a vigilant partner in your own healing process.

Explore Treatment Alternatives and Second Opinions

Surgery is a significant step, and it’s often just one piece of a larger treatment puzzle. Ask if your surgery will be combined with other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. Understanding the full scope of your treatment plan from the start helps you prepare for the road ahead. It’s also completely reasonable to seek a second opinion. A different surgeon or cancer center may offer a new perspective or simply confirm that you’re on the right track, giving you valuable peace of mind as you move forward with your decision.

Related Articles

• Stage 2 Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Survival Rate: Prognosis & Life Expectancy
• Stage 3 Lung Cancer Survival Rates: With & Without Treatment
• 5 Year Survival Rates For Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer By Stage: NSCLC
• Lung Cancer Survival Rate & Life Expectancy – Outcomes4Me
• Recovering from Lung Surgery and Preparing for Cancer Consultation | Outcomes4Me Community

Frequently Asked Questions

These statistics are scary. How should I really think about them? It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the numbers. The best way to approach survival rates is to see them as a big-picture tool for doctors and researchers, not as a prediction for your individual journey. These statistics are based on past data from thousands of people with different health profiles and cancer specifics. Your personal outcome depends on your unique situation, including the stage of your cancer, your overall health, and how you respond to treatment. Use these numbers as a starting point for a conversation with your doctor about your specific prognosis.

What is the single most important thing I can do to prepare for my surgery? If you smoke, quitting is the most powerful action you can take. Stopping, even just for a few weeks before your operation, can significantly improve your lung function and circulation. This helps your body handle the procedure better and lowers your risk of complications like pneumonia during recovery. Beyond that, focus on nourishing your body with healthy food and staying as active as your doctor recommends. Think of it as training for an important event—you are giving your body the strength it needs to heal well.

Is it okay to get a second opinion? I’m worried about delaying my surgery. Getting a second opinion is not only okay, it’s a smart and proactive step in your care. It’s important that you feel completely confident in your treatment plan and your medical team. While the timing of surgery is important, taking a week or two to consult with another expert is a reasonable part of the process and is unlikely to negatively affect your outcome. A good oncology team will support your decision and understand that your peace of mind is a crucial part of your treatment.

Will I be able to live a normal life with less lung tissue? For most people, the answer is yes. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancer while leaving you with enough healthy lung to live a full and active life. Your surgeons carefully test your lung function beforehand to ensure this is possible. While you may experience some shortness of breath initially, especially during exercise, many patients adapt very well. A pulmonary rehabilitation program after surgery can also help you build strength and breathing capacity, allowing you to return to the activities you enjoy.

Why might my doctor recommend a less extensive surgery like a wedge resection instead of a full lobectomy? Your surgeon’s recommendation is always tailored to your specific situation. A less extensive surgery, like a wedge resection or segmentectomy, is often an excellent option for very small, early-stage tumors. It’s also a preferred approach for patients whose lung function might not be strong enough to tolerate the removal of an entire lobe. The goal is always to remove all the cancer with clear margins while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible, and sometimes a smaller operation is the safest and most effective way to do that.