Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 2 Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 2 Breast Cancer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Jones]Sharon A Jones

The 5-year survival rate for stage 2 diagnosed in the U.S. varies according to size of the tumor and whether or not cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

If the is under 2 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (the axillary lymph nodes), it is stage IIA and the survival rate is 88%-92% (American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute).

If the is between 2-5 centimeters but has not spread, it is also called stage IIA.

If the is between 2-5 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes, it is called stage IIB and the 5-year survival rate is 76%-81%.

If the is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread beyond the breast, it is also called stage IIB

Up to 29% of diagnosed is Stage 2 for white women and 36% for black women.  An average of 62% of all is diagnosed when it is still localized to the breast area or Stage 1 breast cancer.  If the cancer is detected early enough, such as Stage 1 breast cancer, then the 5-year survival rate is as high as 98%-100%.  Early detection is the most important way to save the lives of cancer patients.

Fortunately for patients, there has been a great deal of effort put into providing information about early detection.  Early detection and improved treatments are the primary reason for increasing survival rates.

Women can help themselves with monthly self-examinations done at

Scientists find a gene that makes cancer spread (Reuters)
Reuters - A single gene appears to play a crucial role in deadly breast cancers, increasing the chances the cancer will spread and making it resistant to chemotherapy, U.S. researchers said on Monday.
Diet tied to survival in breast cancer patients (Reuters)
Reuters - Women with early-stage breast cancer may live longer if they maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, a new study suggests.
Genes Predict Chances of Breast Cancer's Spread (HealthDay)
HealthDay - THURSDAY, Jan. 1 (HealthDay News) -- In a finding that could help doctors fine-tune breast cancer treatments even further, a new study confirms that there are genes that increase the likelihood that the disease will spread throughout a woman's body.
High Insulin May Boost Odds of Breast Cancer (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Women with high levels of insulin in their blood appear to be more likely to develop breast cancer than those with lower insulin levels.
High insulin levels may increase breast cancer risk (Reuters)
Reuters - Data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study show that higher than normal insulin levels are an independent risk factor for breast cancer.
Trying to prevent lymphedema after breast cancer (AP)
AP - Hospitals in about a dozen states are testing whether some simple steps, such as arm-strengthening exercises, could reduce the risk of one of breast cancer's troubling legacies — the painful and sometimes severe arm swelling called lymphedema. Lymphedema has long been a neglected side effect of cancer surgery and radiation: Many women say they never were warned, even though spotting this problem early improves outcomes.
Cancer Medicine Advances on Many Fronts (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, Dec. 23 (HealthDay News) -- The war against cancer gathered steam in 2008, as new drugs tackled the toughest cancers with some success, and advances were made in both disease prevention and risk factor identification.
British woman to deliver baby screened for breast cancer (AFP)
AFP - A woman is to give birth this week to the first baby in Britain which has been selected to be free of a gene which greatly increases the risk of breast cancer, experts said.
Obesity raises risk of cancer-related lymphedema (Reuters)
Reuters - Painful swelling of the arm or shoulder area following treatment for breast cancer -- a condition called lymphedema - is more common in women who are overweight or obese than in women of normal weight, researchers have found.
Marital Distress May Affect Breast Cancer Recovery (HealthDay)
HealthDay - THURSDAY, Dec. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Marriage problems are associated with poorer outcomes for women with breast cancer, a new U.S. study finds.

the same time every month.  When a woman is 20 she should make sure that she gets a clinical examination at least every three years.  After the age of 40, the clinical exams should be part of her annual health check-up, along with her mammogram.

Women can also help themselves with healthy habits that may help prevention, such as  regular moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol.  These, and other healthy habits should be maintained for life since the risk of increases with age.

There is also a 10% chance of recurrence even after successful treatment.  You can learn about three healthy habits that have shown a 50% decrease in recurrence at http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-recurrence.html.

For more information on scientific research showing dramatically increased survival rate, see http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-survival-rate.html.

Sharon Jones has over 40 years training and experience in science, mainstream health care, and alternative health care.  Her website is http://www.green-tea-health-news.com.

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