While researchers continue to make strides toward more frequent early detection of breast cancer in the United States, cases in developing countries are still being diagnosed in later stages.
Research has shown that the earlier breast cancer is found, the more treatable it is. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, one-third of breast cancer deaths could be decreased if detected and treated early, meaning that about 400,000 lives could be saved globally every year.
The lower survival rates in less developed countries can be explained mainly by the lack of early detection programs, resulting in a high proportion of women presenting with late-stage disease, as well as by the lack of adequate diagnosis and treatment facilities.
Why it matters
Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue that is made up of glands for milk production, called lobules, and the ducts that connect the lobules to the nipple. The remainder of the breast is made up of fatty, connective and lymphatic tissues.
Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and is most easily cured at this stage. That’s why annual mammograms for women over the age of 40 are so important, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Don’t ignore the signs
When breast cancer has grown to a size that can be felt, the most common physical sign is a painless lump.
Sometimes breast cancer can spread to the underarm lymph nodes and cause a lump or swelling, even before the original breast tumor is large enough to be felt.
Less common signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness; persistent changes to the breast, such as swelling, thickening or redness of the breast’s skin; and nipple abnormalities such as spontaneous discharge, erosion, inversion or tenderness.
Pain or lack of pain, it is worthy of note, does not indicate the presence or the absence of breast cancer; hence, any persistent abnormality in the breast should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.
Survival rates
For many men and women struggling with the daily grind of breast cancer treatments, simply knowing their chance of survival is motivation enough for sticking to the plan. The survival rates associated with breast cancer can be eye-opening and even life-changing for someone diagnosed with the disease.
It is important to realize that these statistics are just that — statistics. If you’re told you have a certain percentage of a chance to overcome your breast cancer, that doesn’t serve as an automatic. Taking the approach of trusting your physician’s plan of action and leaning on your family, friends and faith can be an effective plan — no matter what percentage chance you are given.
Below are the various stages of breast cancer and their associated five-year relative survival rates, according to the American Cancer Society.
Stage 0: 100 percent survival rate
Stage I: 100 percent survival rate
Stage II: 93 percent survival rate
Stage III: 72 percent survival rate
Stage IV: 22 percent survival rate
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
