Staging is the process physicians use to assess the size and location of a patient's cancer. This information helps determine the most optimal form of treatment. Breast cancer stages range from Stage 0 (very early form of cancer) to Stage IV (advanced, metastatic breast cancer). Click here for a detailed explanation of each stage of breast cancer.
The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is calculated based on averages. Each patient,s individual tumor characteristics, state of health, genetic background, etc. will impact her survival. In addition, levels of stress, immune function, will to live, and other unmeasurable factors also play a significant role in a patient's survival.
| Stage | 5-year
Relative Survival Rate |
|
0 |
93% |
|
I |
88% |
|
IIA |
81% |
|
IIB |
74% |
|
IIIA |
67% |
|
IIIB |
41% |
|
IV |
15% |
| Source: American Cancer Society, The numbers come from the National Cancer Data Base, and are based on people who were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and 2002. |
The key to surviving breast cancer is early detection and treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is confined to the breast, the five-year survival rate is close to 100%. The early detection of breast cancer helps reduce the need for therapeutic treatment and minimizes pain and suffering, allowing women to continue leading happy, productive lives.
Beginning at the age of 20, every woman should practice monthly breast self-exams and begin a routine program of breast health, including scheduling physician performed clinical breast exams at least every three years. As a woman ages, her risk of breast cancer also increases. About 77% of women with breast cancer are over age 50 at the time of diagnosis. Women between the ages of 20 and 29 account for only 0.3% of breast cancer cases. Beginning at the age of 40, all women should have annual screening mammograms, receive clinical breast exams each year, and practice breast self-exams every month.
|
| |
| Non-Hispanic White African American Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Asian American |
65.9% 64.4% 70.7% 61.9% |
| Source: American Cancer Society, Surveillance Research, 2011. |
- American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Facts & Figures: http://www.cancer.org/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Cancer Data http://www.cdc.gov/
- SEER Cancer Statistics Review (National Cancer Institute) http://seer.cancer.gov/
- International Agency for Research on Cancer: http://www-dep.iarc.fr/
Updated: October 2011
