Prognosis is a medical term that refers to the description of the likely outcome related to an illness or disease. It gives an estimate of a patient’s survival rate. Breast cancer survival rate is based on many factors of the cancer. The type of cancer, treatment options, lifestyle and habits, as well as genetics play important roles in breast cancer survival.

Breast cancer survival rate may be based on a standard five-year survival rate which estimates a patient’s prognosis through statistical data. The five year survival rate is the average number of patients who exceed the 5 year survival measure after being diagnosed. Five year survival rates exclude patients who die from other causes. A good number of breast cancer patients live much longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Although logically, the greater the cancer stage, the lesser the breast cancer survival rate.

Averaging of survival rates are based on statistics from patients treated several years ago. Although, the patients used in statistical data are the most recent available figures, there may have been improvements in treatment thus survival rates may be a little greater.

Survival statistics are useful general guides but do not accurately represent prognosis for any individual. It should be taken into consideration that a number of factors like tumor characteristics, age, general health, and more aspects within the particular situation can affect chances for survival.

Breast cancer survival rates are based on studies of a 5 year survival rate. Stage 0 and stage I present 100 percent survival rate. Stage IIA presents a survival rate of 92 percent. Stage IIB presents a survival rate of 81 percent. Stage IIIA presents a survival rate of 67 percent. Stage IIIB presents a survival rate of 54 percent. Finally, stage IV presents a survival rate of 20 percent. In general, breast cancer survival rates for women diagnosed with breast cancer in five years is 88 percent. Ten-year survival rate is 80 percent.

It is important to take note; again, that breast cancer survival rates are based on averages. Few women diagnosed with breast cancer live over seven years. Research is playing a major role in the development of new treatment alternatives to improve breast cancer prognosis. New treatment options may have surfaced while statistical data are completed.

Progress in early detection and breast cancer continues to improve deliberate and steady drop in fatality statistics. Given this fact, awareness of important information about breast cancer among women will lead to even better results. Few important facts will be discussed in the next few paragraphs.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women (excluding skin cancer). Breast cancer ranks second in cancer related deaths among women, after lung cancer. The reduction in breast cancer death rates since 1990 is considered a result of improvements in prevention, early detection, and treatment processes.

The evolution of breast cancer treatment are continually producing great results from innovative therapies that aid to healing patients and preventing recurring cancer, improving their quality of life, and giving them hope.