Can Breast Cancer Be Cured?
Breast cancer cure rates are more significant when diagnosed and treated early. A combination of treatments can successfully treat the condition.
As per the American Cancer Society (ACS), curing cancer implies that the treatment removes all cancer cells from the body, eliminating the need for further treatment. Moreover, doctors do not anticipate the disease returning after successful treatment.
However, a doctor can rarely be sure a person’s cancer will never return. Instead, they may say the cancer is in remission. Partial remission means the tumor has shrunk but has not gone away completely. Complete remission means that the signs and symptoms of cancer are entirely gone, and tests do not find any cancer cells.
The National Cancer Institute states that a doctor may consider a person’s cancer cured when they cannot detect the disease after five years—a source of complete remission.
This blog discusses whether breast cancer is curable in different stages. It also looks at the survival rates and provides information on where people who have a breast cancer diagnosis can find support.
What Factors Influence Breast Cancer Curability?
Breast cancer can go into complete remission. This means that breast cancer treatment can be successful and that the cancer will not return.
A person’s outlook can depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- The type of breast cancer
- The stage of breast cancer
- The tumor grade
- Whether the breast cancer is estrogen-, progesterone-, or HER2-positive or -negative
- The type of treatment a person can access
Breast cancer is highly treatable in its early stages, and the outlook is generally very positive.
Advanced cancer is not curable in most cases, according to the ACS. However, treatment can often help:
- Shrink the cancer
- Slow the growth of the cancer
- Relieve symptoms
- Prolong a person’s life
Dr. Sumant Gupta has a high success rate in treating early-stage breast cancer. With over 18+ years of experience, his expertise lies in employing comprehensive therapies, achieving a higher survival rate. He has treated 500+ patients, emphasizing timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved outcomes, significantly boosting the chance of recovery.
What Are the Different Breast Cancer Stages?
Stage 1
A person with stage 1 breast cancer has cancerous cells that have invaded the surrounding breast tissue. A variety of treatment options can cause the cancer to go into remission at this stage.
The primary treatment for stage 1 is surgery with radiation. However, some people may benefit from additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, to decrease the risk of the cancer coming back.
Stage 2
Individuals with stage 2 breast cancer have cancer cells in their breast tissue, the nearby lymph nodes, or both. This stage of cancer is curable with a combination of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy.
Such treatment techniques are increasingly recognized as effective for improving a person’s chance of cure or prolonging survival.
Stage 3
Stage 3 breast cancer occurs when a tumor has developed and spread to several lymph nodes. It can be harder to treat but is still curable with aggressive treatment. The treatment can involve a combination of drug-based treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted cancer drugs, and hormone therapy, as well as surgery.
However, the chances of successful treatment depend on the extent of spread, the cancer’s grade, the tumor’s hormone receptor status, and the individual’s response to treatment.
Stage 4
Metastatic breast cancer occurs at stage 4, when the disease has spread to other areas of the body, such as the brain, bones, lungs, and liver. Although this stage of breast cancer is not curable, it is usually treatable.
Current advances in research and medical technology mean that more people can live longer by managing the disease as a chronic condition, focusing on quality of life as a primary goal.
What Are The Survival Rates Based On Stage?
A relative survival rate helps show how long a person with a particular condition will live after receiving a diagnosis compared with those without the condition.
For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate is 70%, a person with the condition is 70% as likely to live for five years as someone without the condition.
It is important to remember that these figures are estimates. A person can consult a healthcare professional about how their condition will affect them.
The 2012–2018 data show that the 5-year relative survival rate for female breast cancer was 90.6%. Males have a 1 in 833 chance of developing breast cancer, and they have a lower overall survival rate than females.
The average survival rates according to the stage at diagnosis are:
| Stage | 5-year survival rate for women | 5-year survival rate for men |
| Localized, meaning that the cancer has not yet spread beyond the breast | 99.1% | 95% |
| Regional, meaning that the cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes | 86.1% | 83% |
| Distant, meaning that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body | 30% | 19% |
| Unknown stage | 60% | — |
Dr. Sumant Gupta highlights the pivotal role of early detection in breast cancer. “When caught early, survival rates soar to over 99%,” he affirms. “But once it spreads, the rates diminish to around 30%. This emphasizes why regular check-ups are crucial.”
He stresses the need for immediate medical attention for symptoms. “Seeking prompt care boosts chances of detecting and treating breast cancer early, significantly elevating survival rates and ensuring better outcomes.”
As expressed by a patient of Dr. Sumant, “I was fortunate to receive exceptional care from Dr. Sumant Gupta during my breast cancer journey. His expertise and compassionate approach made me feel confident and supported throughout treatment. His team’s dedication and guidance were invaluable in my recovery journey. I am grateful for the personalized care and its positive impact on my health and well-being.”
What Is The Expense Of Breast Cancer In India?
In India, the cost of breast cancer treatment varies widely depending on multiple factors like the stage of cancer, treatment modalities, hospital facilities, and geographic location. On average, the expenses range from 5 lakh to 20 lakhs ($6,700 to $27,000) for the entire treatment journey.
Conclusion
Early detection and timely treatment significantly improve the outlook for breast cancer. When caught at an early stage, such as localized breast cancer, the survival rates are notably high. However, as the cancer progresses and spreads, the chances of a complete cure diminish. Stage 4 breast cancer is not typically curable but is treatable, with advancements allowing for better disease management and extended life. Regular screenings and access to appropriate treatments play a pivotal role in improving survival rates and quality of life for individuals with breast cancer.
FAQs
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Can breast cancer be prevented?
Breast cancer risk can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking.
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Is breast cancer hereditary?
Yes, a small percentage of breast cancer cases are due to inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
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What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
Age, family history, genetic mutations, dense breast tissue, hormone replacement therapy, and obesity are some risk factors.
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Can men get breast cancer?
Yes, although rare, men can also develop breast cancer due to the presence of breast tissue.
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Are all breast lumps cancerous?
Not all breast lumps indicate cancer. Many lumps are benign (non-cancerous), but a doctor should check for unusual changes.
