Breast Cancer Survival Rate: An Introduction
The
breast cancer survival rate indicates the percentage of people with a certain type and stage of breast cancer who survive the disease for a specific period of time after their diagnosis. In most cases, statistics refer to the 5-year breast cancer survival rate. The 5-year breast cancer survival rate is the percentage of people who are alive 5 years after a
breast cancer diagnosis, whether they have few or no signs or
symptoms of breast cancer, are free of disease, or are having treatment for breast cancer.
The breast cancer survival rate is based on large groups of people, and it cannot be used to predict what will happen to a particular patient. No two patients are exactly alike, and
breast cancer treatment and responses to treatment vary greatly.
Factors Influencing the Breast Cancer Survival Rate
In general, the breast cancer survival rate will depend on:
- The stage of breast cancer (see Breast Cancer Stages)
- The breast cancer type
- Estrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor levels in the tumor tissue
- A woman's age, general health, and whether or not she has gone through menopause
- Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
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