Breast Cancer Slideshow Pictures Take the Breast Cancer Quiz Disease Prevention in Women Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Leigh A Neumayer, MD, MS, FACS

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Results

• If breast cancer is detected in its earliest stage, treatment results in a 10-year survival rate (that is, percent of women still living) of more than 90%. Long-term survival is similar whether the woman chooses lumpectomy or mastectomy. The difference between the treatments is the risk of recurrence locally (in the breast or on the chest wall). The 20-year risk of local recurrence after mastectomy is 3%-5% compared to 15%-20% after lumpectomy and radiation.
  
  
  • Self-examination of the breast and an annual mammography help in the early detection of breast cancer.
  
  
  • In the United States, yearly mammography screening is recommended for women older than 40 years.


• In addition to mastectomy, treatments such as hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (if required) improve the chances of recurrence-free, long-term survival.