Advanced breast cancer killed 186,467 women in the United States in 2005, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Treatment is available for late-stage breast cancer, and there are many factors that affect life expectancy.
Survival Rate
Patients with breast cancer that has metastasized to other parts of the body have a 27% five-year survival rate. New therapies are increasing the survival rate, according to the New York Times.
Hormone Receptors
Breast cancer cells may have hormone receptors that process estrogen or progesterone. The cells are called "hormone-receptor positive," and women with this time of cancer cells have more treatment options, as they will be receptive to hormone therapy.
Tumor Markers
Tumor markers are proteins found in the urine or blood when patients have cancer. These markers can predict how aggressive the cancer is and what drugs it might respond to, possibly increasing chances for survival.
Gene Expression Profiling
Gene expression tests examine genes to predict the likelihood of a cancer's recurrence. These tests can help doctors decide if treatments are required during remission periods.
Cell Division
Cancer cells are more dangerous the faster they grow and multiply, according to the New York Times.
Tags: according York, according York Times, breast cancer, cancer cells have, cells have
