Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. It is the second most common type of cancer in women, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone. Among all stages of breast cancer, stage 4 is considered to be the most advanced and difficult to treat.
The survival rate for breast cancer varies depending on various factors such as age, stage at diagnosis, and overall health condition. In this blog, we will focus on the stage 4 breast cancer survival rate by age and discuss how it can impact a person's treatment and prognosis.
Stage 4 breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. It means that the cancer has spread beyond the breasts to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
At this stage, the goal of treatment shifts from curing the cancer to managing and controlling its growth and symptoms. This is because at stage 4, the cancer cells have spread too far to be completely removed through surgery.
Age is a significant factor that can affect the survival rate of stage 4 breast cancer. According to Dr. Nita Nair, a renowned breast cancer specialist in Mumbai, the age of diagnosis plays a crucial role in determining how well a person responds to treatment.
Younger Women with Stage 4 Breast Cancer:
Younger women under the age of 40 who are diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer may have
a more aggressive form of the disease compared to older women. This is because younger
women have denser breast tissue, which makes it harder to detect cancer in its early
stages.
Moreover, younger women may also have a higher risk of developing metastatic breast cancer due to genetic factors or lifestyle habits. The survival rate for young women with stage 4 breast cancer can range from 20% to 30%, depending on the individual's health and response to treatment.
Older Women with Stage 4 Breast Cancer :
On the other hand, older women above the age of 60 who are diagnosed with stage 4 breast
cancer may have a slower-growing form of the disease. This is because as we age, our
cells become less active, and the risk of developing cancer decreases.
However, older women may also have other health conditions that can impact their response to treatment and overall survival rate. According to Dr. Nita Nair, older women with stage 4 breast cancer tend to have a lower survival rate compared to younger women.
Apart from age, there are other factors that can influence the survival rate of stage 4 breast cancer. These include:
Type of breast cancer: Certain types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative or HER2-positive breast cancer, may respond differently to treatment and have a different survival rate.
Location of metastasis: The location of the cancer cells in the body can affect the treatment options and overall prognosis. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bones may be easier to manage compared to those that have reached vital organs like the brain or liver.
Overall health condition: A person's overall health and immune system play a crucial role in how well they respond to treatment. Those with other health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease may have a lower survival rate compared to those who are otherwise healthy.
The treatment for stage 4 breast cancer varies depending on the individual's specific case and health condition. Some common treatment options include:
Chemotherapy: This involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing and spreading further.
Hormone therapy: This is used to block certain hormones that can fuel the growth of breast cancer cells in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers
Targeted therapy: This type of treatment targets specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: It uses high-energy rays, such as X-rays, to destroy or shrink tumors in specific areas of the body.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be used to remove cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or brain.
A diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging for both the patient and their loved ones. It is essential to seek support from a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, therapists, and support groups.
Dr. Nair emphasizes the importance of self-care and mental well-being while undergoing treatment for stage 4 breast cancer. Some ways to cope with this diagnosis include:
Educating yourself about the disease and treatment options.
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet to support your immune system.
Engaging in physical activities such as yoga or walking, if possible, to improve overall health and mood.
Seeking emotional support from loved ones, therapists, or support groups.
Stage 4 breast cancer is considered the most advanced stage of breast cancer. The survival rate for this stage varies depending on various factors, with age being a significant factor. While younger women may have a more aggressive form of the disease, older women may have other health conditions that can impact their treatment and prognosis. It is crucial to seek support, educate yourself about the disease, and prioritize self-care while undergoing treatment for stage 4 breast cancer. Remember, each person's journey with this disease is unique, and there is always hope for managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
