Treatment of Breast Cancer

Prognosis for Breast Cancer

The mortality rates for breast cancer have been declining in North and South America, Australia, and in Western Europe since 1990. This is attributed to widespread mammographic screening, precise diagnosis, and increased numbers of women receiving optimal treatment for their conditions, including the use of tamoxifen.

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rates for the various stages of breast cancer are as follows:

• Stage 0 and Stage I - almost 100% of patients can be expected to be alive after 5 years.

• Stage II - about 80% to over 90% of patients can be expected to be alive after 5 years. Stage IIA breast cancer has a higher 5 year surivival rate (92%) than Stage IIB (81%).

• Stage III - about 55% to nearly 70% of patients can be expected to be alive after 5 years. Stage IIIA breast cancer has a higher survival rate (67%) than Stage IIIB (54%).

• Stage IV - only about 20% of patients with Stage IV breast cancer can be expected to survive for 5 years or longer.