What Factors Affect Breast Cancer Life Expectancy?

Breast cancer life expectancy is impacted by several factors, including the type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, general overall health, and chosen medical treatment. In addition, the patient's ability to tolerate treatments can effect the outcome of the disease. The size of the tumor also comes into play.

The cancer type plays a part in breast cancer life expectancy. Ductal carcinoma in situ is typically cured through surgical removal. The survival rate of this cancer is 98 percent. A micro-invasive cancer has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult. Once the breast cancer has metastasized or spread to other parts of the body, breast cancer life expectancy falls significantly.

Features of the tumor also impact breast cancer life expectancy. In general, the smaller the tumor, the better chance for survival. Patients with tumors less than 1.0 centimeter have virtually a 100-percent survival rate once the tumor is removed, as long as the cancer has not spread. A patient whose tumor is 3.0 centimeters in diameter and surgically removed typically has a 91-percent survival rate. Those with larger tumors usually have a reduced breast cancer life expectancy.

The number of lymph nodes involved at the time of the biopsy also impacts breast cancer survival rates. One study concluded that having one to three nodes involved reduces the average 10-year survival rate to 62 percent. When 10 or more are involved at the time of the biopsy, the 10-year survival rate drops to 20 percent. Nodes within the affected breast are typically examined, as non-involvement indicates the tumor has remained locally invasive. Underarm nodes are also examined for metastases at the time of biopsy.

Toleration of treatment options is an important factor that impacts breast cancer life expectancy. Patients who tolerate chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatment methods have a better chance at survival because the cancer is constantly being attacked by medication. For patients whose bodies are unable to tolerate the typical treatment methods, the cancer has the potential to grow and spread, thereby reducing the patient's chance of survival.

General overall health impacts the ability to tolerate treatment as well as the ability to fight off illnesses that would otherwise weaken the body. If a patient is healthy, eats well, exercises, and maintains an appropriate weight, he or she is better able to fight off colds, the flu, and other illnesses that can become life threatening to a cancer patient while undergoing chemotherapy. Chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart problems can also become issues in treatment toleration.