The five year relative survival rate is 95% for women with early stage breast cancer. However, when faced with a life-threatening illness it is natural to be anxious about the quality of your life in the future. Fortunately, the current treatments available for breast cancer allow most women to go from being a cancer patient to a cancer survivor. Since 1989, there has been a steady increase in the number of breast cancer survivors.
Always discuss any of your concerns and worries with your healthcare provider. If you find yourself becoming “stuck” on this question, or feeling depressed, contact a support group or talk to a breast cancer survivor.
