In the U.S., nearly 40,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, making it the second most lethal cancer in women. However, breast cancer life expectancy and survival rates have fortunately improved due to early detection and new treatments. This article provides more information about breast cancer stage 4 life expectancy and survival rates.
Breast cancer is the malignant proliferation of the epithelial cells lining the milk ducts or lobules of the breast. It is a heterogeneous disease, i.e. the production of cells within the tumor may vary in women, as per their age groups. Person having a family history of both breast and ovarian cancer can also be at the risk of developing this disease. A period at an age of 11 or having late menopause, and excessive exposure to radiations are some other causes that may lead to breast cancer in women.
Symptoms
The most significant symptom is the formation of a lump or thickening of the breast, and swollen lymph nodes in the underarm (axillary area). Though, not all breast lumps are cancerous, lumps found in the area above the collarbone (supraclavicular area) indicate that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Following are some common symptoms which are observed:
- Change in color and texture of areola (dark pigmented area surrounding the nipple)
- Swelling and tenderness around the nipple or in the breast
- Scaling or itching (called pruritus) on the nipple.
- Increase in the size of the breast
- Sudden discharge from the nipples, or pulling in of the nipples or other areas of the breast
- Development of a breast lump and breast ulcer
Stages and Prognosis
The life expectancy of breast cancer generally depends on its stage, and there are typically five stages (0 to 5) with sub-stages:
Stage | TNM | Description | 5-year Survival |
0 | Tis N0 M0 | Carcinoma in situ, i.e. in place, no tumor in the regional lymph nodes, no distant metastases | 99% |
I | T1 N0 M0 | Tumor is less than or equal to 2 centimeters, no tumor in the regional lymph nodes, no distant metastases. | 92% |
IIA | T0 N1 M0 T1 N1 M0 T2 N0 M0 |
No evidence of primary tumor, metastases to movable ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases. Tumor is less than or equal to 2 centimeters, metastases to movable ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases. Tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters, no tumor in the regional lymph nodes, no distant metastases |
82% |
IIB | T2 N1 M0 T3 N0 M0 |
Tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters, metastases to movable ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases. Tumor is over 5 centimeters, no tumor in the regional lymph nodes, no distant metastases. |
65% |
IIIA | T0 N2 M0 T1 N2 M0 T2 N2 M0 T3 N1, N2 M0 |
No evidence of primary tumor, metastases to fixed ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases. Tumor is less than or equal to 2 centimeters, metastases to fixed ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases. Tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters, metastases to fixed ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases. Tumor is over 5 centimeters, metastases to movable or fixed ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases. |
47% |
IIIB | T4 Any N M0 Any T N3 M0 |
Tumor extends to chest wall, any nodal involvement, no distant metastases. Any primary tumor involvement, metastases to ipsilateral internal mammary nodes, no distant metastases. |
44% |
IV | Any T Any N M1 | Any primary tumor involvement, any nodal involvement, distant metastases. | 14% |
T= Status of Primary tumor; N = Regional lymph nodes; M = Distant Metastases
Stages and Treatment
The treatment and it’s possibility for cure, mainly depends on factors like location of the tumor, it’s size and shape, rate of cell division, genetic factors, how far the tumor has spread, etc. The treatment primarily involves surgery, followed by radiation, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. The surgery involves removal of the lump and the lymph nodes in the armpits. During chemotherapy, the medicines that intervene with the growth of cancer cells and divisions are given to the patient. High dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow transplantation has also been used to improve the response rates. Hormonal therapy or radiation, involving X-rays or high energy rays are applied to stop or slow down the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Recurrences of breast cancer normally occur within 5 years of treatment. However, studies have shown that 25% of recurrences and half of new cancers in the opposite breast, usually occur after 5 years.
Research shows that the 5-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is nearly 80%, and approximately 88% of affected women do live longer for next 10 years. Unfortunately, women in lower social and economic groups still have statistically less survival rates than women in higher groups. However, the estimated increase in the life expectancy per woman screened during screening detection of breast cancers on an average has been modest.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.