New Delhi: Breast cancer mainly becomes treatable at its early stages of detection, but it can cause a wide range of implications that relate to the body, emotions, and mind. Such complications take place due to the nature of the illness, its treatment, and the spread of cancer cells from the place where they first formed to another part of the body known as metastasis. However, amid TV actress Hina Khan’s diagnosis, her fans were left concerned about the survival rate of this type of cancer at an advanced stage.
What is breast cancer stage 3?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Anil Thakwani, Consultant and Senior Oncologist at Sharda Hospital, spoke about the complications that may occur when one reaches the third stage of breast cancer, which is seen as an advanced stage of the disease.
“Breast cancer at stage 3 is considered an advanced stage where the cancer has spread beyond the breast to nearby lymph nodes and possibly to the chest wall or skin of the breast. Understanding the complications and survival rates is crucial for patients and their families,” said Dr Thakwani.
Complications of breast cancer
Lymphedema: Swelling in the arm or chest due to lymph node removal or radiation.
Infection: Surgical wounds or weakened immune system from treatments can increase infection risk.
Fatigue: Both the cancer and its treatment can cause significant fatigue.
Pain: May arise from the tumor itself or as a side effect of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and emotional strain are common due to the diagnosis and intensive treatment.
Treatment options for advanced stage breast cancer
Surgery: Often involves mastectomy (removal of the breast) or lumpectomy (removal of the tumor).
Radiation Therapy: Targets remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, often before surgery to shrink tumors.
Hormone Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers to block cancer growth.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cells.
Survival rates of advanced breast cancer
Survival rates can provide hope but also vary widely. The 5-year survival rate for stage 3 breast cancer is around 72% on average. This means that about 72 out of 100 women with stage 3 breast cancer will be alive five years after diagnosis. However, many factors influence this rate, including:
Tumour characteristics: Hormone receptor status and HER2 status.
Patient’s overall health: Age, general health, and response to treatment.
Advancements in Treatment: Newer treatments and clinical trials can improve outcomes.
“It’s important to note that these statistics are averages and cannot predict individual outcomes. Many women with stage 3 breast cancer go on to live long, healthy lives after treatment. Regular follow-ups and a supportive care team are crucial for managing complications and improving quality of life. Always discuss with your healthcare provider for personalised information and support,” Dr Thakwani concluded.
Furthermore, talking about the complications of breast cancer, Dr. Ramya Arun Kumar, Consultant in the Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Motherhood Hospitals, also shared some insights with respect to advanced tumours.
:One of the most serious complications is the metastasis of organs such as bones, liver, lungs, and brain. Metastatic breast cancer is one of the very serious complications of the disease with unsatisfactory treatment and survival rates caused by it since metastatic cases are difficult to treat and mostly cannot be cured. Some of the complications caused by metastases include pain, pathologic fractures, breathing difficulty, neurological symptoms, and hepatic dysfunction,” said Dr Kumar.
“Complications can also arise due to breast cancer treatment, involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. The post-operative complications may include lymphedema, a condition in which lymph fluid builds up in the tissues, resulting in swelling usually in the arms. Chemotherapy has the side effects of fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and increased risk of infection due to reduced immunity. The radiation treatment can induce skin problems and fatigue, while hormonal therapy commonly causes menopausal symptomatology with an increased predisposition to osteoporosis,” the expert added.
Dr Kumar went on to say that emotionally and in this respect, psychologically, too, the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer leads to enormous stress, anxiety, depression, and fears of relapse. These psychologic effects of disease may influence quality of life and demand adequate supporting measures, including counselling. Complications notwithstanding, the breast cancer survival rate has increased significantly over the years, and this has been occasioned by improved early detection and treatment methods in many parts of the world.
What are the surivival rates for advanced breast cancer?
In terms of survival rates, data available from the Indian Council of Medical Research shows that the five-year survival rate of breast cancer patients in India is about 60%. This figure is way below what obtains in most Western countries, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to advanced treatment facilities. The survival rate, in cases where the diagnosis occurred at an early stage, maybe as high as 80-90% within five years. In relative limelight, as published by the Journal of Global Oncology, the survival rates are higher in urban compared to rural areas in India because of better access to healthcare facilities and awareness.
Although breast cancer is one of the diseases that invite many complications, early detection and advanced treatment modalities remarkably improved its survival rate today. Continuous research and comprehensive care are supposed to be followed to manage the diseases and give a better quality of life to patients.
In terms of survival rates for breast cancer, data available from the Indian Council of Medical Research shows that the five-year survival rate of breast cancer patients in India is about 60%. This figure is way below what obtains in most Western countries, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to advanced treatment facilities. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
