Chances for survival are different for each stage of breast cancer. Early stage cancer (stages I and II) has a better prognosis than later stage cancer (stage III and IV) (see Figure 4.8). Also, cancer that stays in the breast has a better prognosis than cancer that has spread beyond the breast to the lymph nodes. The worst prognosis is for metastatic breast cancer, where the cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other parts of the body.
Survival rates are averages, though, and vary depending on each person’s full diagnosis and treatment.
Updated 10/26/09
