According to the American Cancer Society when detected early, the five-year survival rate of breast cancer is 98%.

When it comes to cancer, the earlier it’s found the better. Chances of receiving effective treatment, such as radiation therapy, greatly improve when cancer is found in stage 0 or 1.

The “stage” of breast cancer refers to how extensive the cancer is, on a scale from stage 0 to stage 4. The stage is determined through examination of the tissue removed during a mastectomy or lumpectomy and of the lymph nodes under your arm.

Classifying the stage of cancer leads to the prognosis and guides treatment decisions. These percentages are pooled from large data and are considered estimates of survival, rather than steadfast facts.

Survival rates of those who found their cancer in Stages 0 and 1 had a higher survival rate after 5 years, comparatively to those patients who found their cancer in Stages 2-5.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States (second to lung cancer) and is the second leading type of cancer developed by women (second to skin cancer).

Modifying key risk factors can also greatly reduce risk of breast cancer, and improve survival rates. Speak to your physician about which risk factors apply to you.