Can Breast Cancer Be Cured?

DR. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE
April 13, 2025

Key Factors That Determine if Breast Cancer Can Be Cured

Can breast cancer be cured? This is a question that many patients ask after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. The good news is that the chance of curing breast cancer depends on several factors, including the breast cancer stage, the receptor status of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Advances in medical treatments have given many breast cancer patients hope. In this article, we will explore the treatment options for breast cancer and how factors like receptor status, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can influence the treatment plan.

The answer to the question, can breast cancer be cured, largely depends on the stage and type of breast cancer. Let’s take a look at the most important factors:

The Stage of Breast Cancer

One of the most critical factors in determining the outcome of breast cancer is its stage. Early-stage cancers, such as Stage 1 and Stage 2, have a better prognosis and higher chances of being cured. In these stages, the cancer is usually confined to the breast tissue or has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

The Receptor Status of Cancer Cells

The receptor status of the tumor also plays a vital role in treatment. Breast cancer cells can be estrogen-receptor positive (ER+), progesterone-receptor positive (PR+), or HER2-positive. These cancers respond well to hormonal therapy and targeted therapies. If the cancer is hormone receptor-negative, other treatments like chemotherapy may be necessary. Receptor status helps guide treatment decisions and impacts the treatment options available.

Spread of Cancer Cells to Other Parts of the Body

When cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones, it becomes more difficult to cure the disease. This is known as metastatic breast cancer, which typically falls into Stage 4. However, even in these advanced stages, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy can help control the disease and extend the patient’s life.

Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

There are a variety of treatment options for breast cancer. The most effective plan depends on the breast cancer stage, receptor status, and how far the cancer has spread.

Surgery and Breast Conserving Surgery

Doctors often include surgery in treatment plans for Stage 1 and Stage 2 breast cancer. In breast conserving surgery, the surgeon removes only the tumor and surrounding tissue. Afterward, patients usually receive radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. For advanced cancer, the doctor may recommend a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast.

Onco Life Centre does not offer surgery or radiation therapy in-house but works with associated specialists to manage the full treatment plan..

Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy works well for cancers that test positive for estrogen or progesterone receptors. Doctors prescribe medications to block or lower hormone levels that feed cancer growth. Patients typically begin hormonal therapy after surgery or radiation and continue it for several years to lower the risk of recurrence.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Doctors usually recommend it after surgery to clean up any leftover cancer cells in the breast or nearby lymph nodes. In advanced breast cancer, radiation helps shrink tumors and ease symptoms.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Doctors may give it before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy often becomes part of the treatment plan for aggressive breast cancers that spread quickly.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules that help cancer grow. Doctors use it to treat HER2-positive cancers or those with specific genetic changes. Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy mostly affects cancer cells and leaves healthy cells unharmed. This makes it a better option for some patients.

Survival Rate for Breast Cancer

The survival rate for breast cancer depends on several factors, such as when the cancer is found, the type of cancer, and how it is treated. Each stage of breast cancer has different treatment options, and understanding the survival rates can help patients and their families plan for the future.

Early-Stage Survival Rates

For Stage 1 and Stage 2 breast cancer, the survival rate is very high. If the cancer is detected early, treatment can often lead to complete remission, meaning the cancer is no longer detectable. Early-stage patients often receive radiation therapy or hormonal therapy, both of which can lower the chances of the cancer coming back. With early treatment, most people diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer live for many years after treatment. Many may not even feel a breast lump or notice any other symptoms, which is why regular screening is important.

Advanced-Stage Survival Rates

For Stage 3 and Stage 4 breast cancer, the survival rates tend to be lower. This is because the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body. However, thanks to new treatments like targeted therapy and hormonal therapy, many patients are now living longer. For advanced-stage breast cancer, the goal is often to control the cancer and extend life rather than completely cure it.

Impact of Receptor Status on Survival Rates

The receptor status of the cancer plays a big role in survival. If the tumor is estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) or progesterone-receptor positive (PR+), it may respond better to hormonal therapy, which can improve survival rates. If the cancer is HER2-positive, it may respond to targeted therapies, which can also improve the chances of survival. When the cancer’s receptors match the treatments available, the survival rate tends to be higher.

Role of Nearby Lymph Nodes in Survival

If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, this can affect the survival rate. In these cases, the prognosis may be less favorable, but treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy can still help manage the cancer. If the cancer hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes, the survival rate tends to be much better, as the cancer has not spread as far in the body.

Long-Term Survival and Quality of Life

For some patients, it’s possible to live for many years after a breast cancer diagnosis. Long-term survival is becoming more common as treatment options continue to improve. Some people live with breast cancer as a chronic condition, meaning the cancer is controlled but may not go away completely. Many patients experience remission, where the cancer is no longer detectable, and can live healthy lives for many years. Supportive treatments like counseling, exercise, and good nutrition can also help improve the quality of life for long-term survivors.

Understanding the Side Effects of Treatment

While the treatments for breast cancer, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy, can be effective, they also come with potential side effects. These side effects can vary based on the type of treatment, the patient’s overall health, and the cancer’s stage.

Common Side Effects

Fatigue: This is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Hair loss: Chemotherapy often causes hair loss, but this is usually temporary.
Nausea and vomiting: Some treatments may cause nausea, but anti-nausea medications can help manage this side effect.
Pain and swelling: These symptoms may occur after surgery or radiation therapy, especially in the breast or nearby lymph nodes.
Hot flashes and mood changes: These are common side effects of hormonal therapy, especially for women going through menopause.

Managing Side Effects

Patients are encouraged to work closely with their healthcare team to manage side effects. Doctors may adjust the treatment plan or provide medications to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

How Early Detection Affects Treatment Plans

Breast cancer diagnosis through regular screenings, such as mammograms and self-exams, significantly impacts treatment outcomes. Early detection can lead to a treatment plan that focuses on localized therapies like surgery and radiation therapy. The earlier the cancer is found, the better the chances are for a complete cure.

The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute recommend regular screenings, especially for those at higher risk due to family history or other factors.

Final Thoughts: Understanding the Chances of Curing Breast Cancer

So, can breast cancer be cured? The answer is yes, for many patients, particularly those diagnosed at an early stage. The treatment options available today, including radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy, have dramatically improved survival rates. Even when cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatments can manage the disease and improve quality of life.

At Onco Life Centre, we provide personalized treatment plans that take into account your unique situation. Our goal is to offer you the best chance of recovery, whether it’s through hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, or other cutting-edge treatments. Understanding the stages of breast cancer and its treatment options is key to making informed decisions about your health.