With millions of new cases diagnosed every year all over the world, the most common type of cancer affecting women is breast cancer. As per data published by the World Health Organization, nearly 2.3 million individuals were diagnosed with cancer in the breast in 2022. Like other cancers, breast cancer too has different stages, and the life expectancy of the patient depends on that.
So, if someone has stage 3 breast cancer, how long can they live? What is the survival rate for breast cancer and is it completely curable? In this blog, we will discuss everything about breast cancer symptoms, survival, management, treatment.
What is Stage 3 Breast Cancer?
Stage 3 breast cancer, also known as locally advanced breast cancer, is breast cancer that has spread to the local/ immediate areas such as the chest wall, the breast’s skin, and the lymph nodes.
Stage 3 cancer can be further categorized as stages 3A, 3B, and 3C and here’s how they differ:
Stage 3A Breast Cancer
If the cancer cells have attacked only a few of the nearby lymph nodes, it is stage 3A breast cancer.
Stage 3B Breast Cancer
Stage 3B breast cancer means nearby tissues such as breast skin and chest wall have been invaded by the cancer.
Stage 3C Breast Cancer
Stage 3C breast cancer signifies that cancerous cells have spread to many lymph nodes, even those close to the collarbone.
If the cancer reaches distant organs outside the breast, then it’s stage 4 breast cancer.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms
Following are the signs of advanced breast cancer:
- Noticing changes on the skin of the breast, including redness, color changes, open pores, scaliness, or dimpling
- Swollen breasts or swollen armpits
- Lump on the breast or the armpit
- Nipple changes (like a discharge that’s opaque or clear, yellow, slightly green, or pale red)
- Flattened or inverted nipples
- Flaking or peeling on the nipples
- Itchiness, irritation, or pain on the breasts
- Changes to the breast’s shape or size
- Breast pain and redness
- Breasts having a warm temperature and appearing red
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms of breast cancer, you should immediately get your breasts examined.
Breast Cancer Survival Rate
The life expectancy of a cancer patient depends on diverse factors like the tumor’s size, the tumor’s spread to the lymph nodes and other areas.
The National Cancer Institute asserts that for females having breast cancer, the survival rate over a period of 5 years is approx. 86%.
However, every patient’s survival rate is different as it depends on their mental strength, lifestyle, and overall health.
Stage 3 Breast Cancer Treatment I Breast Cancer Surgery
Following are the breast cancer treatment options:
Drug-based treatment
Since it’s stage 3 breast cancer, the tumor size in breast cancer is likely to be large. So, before operating, doctors rely on drug-based therapies to shrink its size. There are multiple drug-based treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. Among these, chemotherapy is the most common one and is has several side effects like nausea, fatigue, hair loss, hormonal imbalance, concentration problems, and depression.
Surgery
When drug treatments fail to shrink the size of the breast tumor, removal of the whole breast might be necessary. This procedure is termed mastectomy. If the breast cancer is not in an advanced stage, lumpectomy can be performed. It means removing just the tumor.
Even after surgery, more chemotherapy or radiation therapy might be required to stop the cancer from returning.
Note: Having the breast removed affects the confidence and self-esteem of many women. Once you defeat the cancer, you may be able to opt for breast reconstruction. Hence, don’t lose hope.
To Sum Up
Despite the availability of treatment options, being diagnosed with breast cancer is a traumatic experience for any individual. To stay optimistic, joining a support group and surrounding oneself with friends and family is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the symptoms of stage 3 breast cancer?
Swelling in the breast or armpit, redness, inverted nipple, discharge from the nipple, itchiness or irritation in the breast, lump in the breast, and darkening of nipples are the symptoms of breast cancer. Many people also consult a therapist for managing stage 3 breast cancer.
Q. Can stage 3 breast cancer be cured?
For most people, breast cancer is not entirely curable as the cancer has spread to other areas. Almost 86% of patients diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer live up to 5 years. However, a large number of women get completely cured and so, always stay positive.
