It is estimated that 155,000 women (and men) in the United States currently have metastatic breast cancer, which means that the cancer has spread to the bones, liver, lungs, brain or other parts of the body. Approximately 22% of those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer survive up to five years, but the average survival rate is only three years. Nearly 40,000 people die each year as a result of metastasis of breast cancer, and there are many more who live with advanced disease. Survival rates vary, but there are some general statistics that predict which groups are likely to have a better prognosis. Show
Metastasis of breast cancer may not surface for many years after a person is first diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Therefore, predicting the prognosis (the likely course of a disease) of metastatic breast cancer may require the medical team to look closely at factors such as the length time between initial diagnosis and metastasis, genetics, and more. Hero Images / Getty ImagesPrognosisNew breast cancer treatment is aimed at improving the survival rate and increasing the longevity of those who are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. In fact, today it’s reported that some women with metastatic breast cancer are predicted to live 10 or more years after diagnosis. Of the women with breast cancer in the United States, it’s estimated that nearly 34% have been living with metastatic breast cancer for at least five years. What’s the prognosis?Prognosis is considered the forecast or the likely course of a disease. In those that are incurable, the prognosis refers to how many years a person will survive once a diagnosis is made. The prognosis of metastatic breast cancer is different for each person who has breast cancer. Prognosis depends primarily on how fast the cancer spreads throughout the body. Although there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer (also referred to as stage IV breast cancer) it is treatable. Treatment is aimed at slowing down the rate at which the cancer spreads in the body. Receiving proper treatment is one of the most important factors in the overall prognosis of metastatic breast cancer. Stage 4 Survival RatesTo get a perspective on the difference in survival rates during different stages of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) the rate of survival after diagnosis is:
Because the earlier stages of breast cancer have much longer survival rates, early detection and treatment are important. Factors Influencing Metastatic Breast Cancer PrognosisThere are several factors that can impact the prognosis of metastatic breast cancer, these include:
Of course, no factors can accurately predict the exact prognosis for a person with metastatic breast cancer. These statistics are based on many clinical research studies, looking at survival rates for people diagnosed with breast cancer at all stages. But the prognosis of each person is different, regardless of what the statistics indicate. Encouraging Statistics on Prognosis of Metastatic Breast CancerIn recent years, there have been some encouraging new statistics on the prognosis of metastatic breast cancer, these include:
StudiesA 2015 study was conducted in the Netherlands. It involved 815 study subjects with metastatic breast cancer were divided into three groups, including:
The study aimed to find out the prognostic impact of the various time intervals that a person had been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer on the group's overall survival rate. The time between primary breast cancer diagnosis and development of cancer recurrence is reportedly a strong prognostic factor for survivors of breast cancer. The study authors concluded that the best prognosis was in those who had metastasis when first diagnosed with breast cancer and the worst prognosis was linked with those who developed metastasis after 24 months. A Word From VerywellAlthough there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a treatable condition. Treatment options are aimed at slowing down the cancer’s rate of growth as much as possible, increasing the survival rate, as well as providing palliative care to support survivors, keeping them comfortable and free of side effects, for as long as possible. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your healthcare provider about your specific prognosis. Don’t forget that survival rates are not set in stone, everyone is different; the statistics do not apply to each individual. A lot depends on your overall outlook on life. This is a great time to get involved in a breast cancer survivor’s support group (if you have not already done so). Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Sherry Christiansen Thanks for your feedback! How long can you live when breast cancer spreads to lungs?It is reported that for breast cancer patients with metastases confined to lungs, the median overall survival (OS) after systemic chemotherapy was 22.5 months 5. Therefore, the development of lung metastasis in breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis.
What Happens When breast cancer spreads to your lungs?Breast cancer can spread to the lungs or to the space between the lung and the chest wall, making fluid build up around the lung. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, a cough that won't go away, and chest pain. Some people lose their appetite, leading to weight loss.
Can breast cancer that has spread to the lungs be cured?When breast cancer spreads to the lung, it can be treated but cannot be cured. Treatment aims to control and slow down the spread of the cancer, relieve symptoms and give you the best quality of life for as long as possible.
How long can you live with Stage 4 breast and lung cancer?According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) , the 5-year survival rate after diagnosis for people with stage 4 breast cancer is 28 percent. This percentage is considerably lower than earlier stages. For all stages, the overall 5-year survival rate is 90 percent.
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