How Long Can You Live With Breast Cancer Without Treatment
Breast cancer poses a significant worldwide health issue, it is one of the leading death in women, and the prognosis of a patient can be significantly impacted by timely detection and treatment.
However, what are the consequences if the cancer is left untreated?
Now, let us delve into the aftermath that contributes to the life expectancy of a breast cancer patient who does not receive treatment.
Brief About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a form of cancer that originates from the abnormal growth of cells within the breast tissue. If not monitored, these cancerous cells can proliferate uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors that have the potential to metastasize and cause fatality.
Breast cancer is not exclusive to women only, it can also affect men as everyone is born with breast tissue. Fortunately, the survival rates for breast cancer have been increasing, and the number of fatalities due to the disease is steadily declining. This positive trend can be attributed to the widespread support for breast cancer awareness and the funding of research.
Thanks to advancements in breast cancer screening, healthcare professionals are now able to diagnose the disease at an earlier stage. Detecting breast cancer early significantly improves the chances of a successful cure. Even in cases where a cure is not possible, there are various treatments available that can prolong life. Furthermore, ongoing discoveries in breast cancer research are assisting healthcare professionals in determining the most effective treatment plans.
Different Stages of Breast Cancer And Their Survival Rate
Stage 0: Non-invasive breast cancer, also known as Stage 0 breast cancer, is often referred to as “pre-cancerous”. Individuals diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) typically have a favorable prognosis since DCIS has not spread to other parts of the body. However, the main concern arises when an invasive cancer reoccurs in the same area where DCIS was previously removed through surgery. This local recurrence significantly increases the risk to one’s life. Fortunately, such occurrences are rare. It is important to note that individuals with a history of DCIS are at a higher risk of developing a new, invasive breast cancer.
Stage 1: In the initial phase of invasive breast cancer, Stage I has a favorable survival rate. The likelihood of succumbing to Stage I breast cancer within 5 years of diagnosis is between 1 to 5% if the prescribed treatments are adhered to.
Stage 2: At the early stage of breast cancer, Stage II is also categorized. The risk of mortality is slightly higher than that of Stage I breast cancer. In general, the risk of life-threatening Stage II breast cancer over the next 5 years is approximately 15%.
Stage 3: Late-stage breast cancer, also known as Stage III breast cancer, presents a heightened risk to one’s life, with a 5-year survival rate of 72%. It is important to note that various individual and tumor-specific factors can influence this survival rate. On the other hand, inflammatory breast cancer, which falls under Stage III breast cancer, is even more concerning. The overall 5-year survival rate for inflammatory breast cancer is approximately 50%.
Stage 4: Moving on to Stage IV breast cancer, this indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other organs or parts of the body. Unfortunately, these metastases are generally not considered curable. However, treatments are available to assist individuals in prolonging their lives while living with cancer. It is crucial to acknowledge that this type of cancer carries a 75 to 80% risk of mortality within 5 years.
Know more:- Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Survival Rate without Treatment
Without receiving treatment, individuals diagnosed with breast cancer will not be able to survive for an extended duration. A study shows that the actuarial survival rates for patients with untreated breast cancer at 5 and 10 years were 19.8% and 3.7% respectively, with partial fitting.
Untreated breast cancer patients face various factors that can impact their survival. One such factor is the presence of triple negative breast cancer, which is known to be a more aggressive form of the disease. Unlike other types of breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer always necessitates chemotherapy for treatment. Unfortunately, individuals with this type of breast cancer have a higher risk of mortality compared to the standard statistic typically associated with a specific stage of breast cancer (Stages I – IV).
Know More:- Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Breast Cancer Survival Rate With Treatment
Breast cancer is a potentially lethal illness that sometimes progresses without noticeable symptoms. However, if diagnosed in its early stages, there is a greater likelihood of successful treatment. The prognosis for breast cancer patients is influenced by various factors, with the disease stage being the most critical. Early detection significantly improves the chances of survival.
According to the latest data, the survival rates for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer are as follows:
- 91% at 5 years after diagnosis,
- 84% at 10 years,
- 80% at 15 years.
It is crucial to note that the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed significantly impacts the prognosis. The 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is a key indicator in determining the outlook for patients.
Also Read:- Breast Cancer in Young Women
Take Away
Neglecting to address breast cancer in a timely manner may cause patients to overlook the crucial opportunity for treatment, resulting in cancer advancing to a later stage that is more challenging to manage, potentially leading to metastasis or even untreatable conditions. Unaddressed breast cancer significantly elevates the risk of mortality compared to cases where recommended treatments such as surgery, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation have been utilized. Choosing not to pursue standard treatment options may decrease your chances of survival below the standard stage-specific survival rates.
