Breast cancer is the second most lethal cancer in women. (Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in women.) The good news is that early detection and new treatments have improved survival rates. Unfortunately, women in lower social and economic groups still have significantly lower survival rates than women in higher groups.
Several factors are used to determine the risk for recurrence and the likelihood of successful treatment. They include:
In 1998 the surgeon told me he wanted to schedule a biopsy for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). I was too numb to ask very many... Read more »
Before trying to make sense of breast cancer prognosis, it's important to know the type of breast cancer you're dealing with. Then, visit... Read more »
Here’s a theme I hear over and over again from women with breast cancer: “I’m afraid of what might happen next. I’m scared of... Read more »
I planted pansies yesterday. It was an incredibly beautiful day, one of those blue-sky days when you experience that full-body slam of... Read more »
I also read the Washington Post advice column -- about how to talk about cancer and death, if your prognosis is not good -- that PJ Hamel... Read more »
Physicians have known for years that women who have more to term pregnancies appear to be somewhat protected against developing breast cancer. Women... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
In general, the course of treatment is determined by the stage of the cancer. Stages range from I to IV based on the cancer's specific... Read more »
Source: HealthCentral Encyclopedia
Article updated and reviewed by Jennifer A. Ligibel, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Medical... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Breast Cancer Screening GuidelinesMost guidelines recommend annual mammograms for women starting at age 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force... Read more »