Breast Cancer Outcomes

Still, it’s important to remember that statistics don’t tell the whole story. So even though the average five-year survival rate for late-stage breast cancer is 28%, your chances of surviving could be a whole lot higher. That’s because breast cancer survival is improving all the time, thanks largely to new breast cancer treatments being developed at top research centers like Winship. Plus, breast cancer survival rates are highly individualized, so averages are often misleading.

At Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are a leader in breast cancer treatment and research. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective treatments with the fewest side effects. As a result, our outcomes — our survival rates, rates of recurrence and management of long-term side effects — are better than most other cancer centers in the U.S.

Winship is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia. The designation has been bestowed on only a select number of cancer centers nationwide. Comprehensive Cancer Centers must meet rigorous standards that prove they have state-of-the-art facilities, offer cutting-edge treatments, deliver breakthrough research and conduct lifesaving clinical trials.

Because NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship are also the most innovative cancer centers in the nation, it’s no surprise they also have the best survival rates. Research shows survival rates are up to 25% higher when starting treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to surgical expertise, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials and team approaches to treatment planning, all of which are paramount at Winship.

Most patients treated for breast cancer will never experience a recurrence. However, some will. These factors affect your risk of recurrence:

• The molecular characteristics of your cancer
• How advanced your cancer was at diagnosis
• Which treatments you received

Your oncology team at Winship takes these factors into account from the very beginning and will design a treatment plan aimed at curing your cancer for good. We’re proud to offer some of the most long-lasting treatments and post-treatment follow-up care in the country. We analyze your specific breast cancer and the genetic components driving it to help us determine which treatment is most likely to improve your breast cancer prognosis and prevent your cancer from returning. Once you’ve completed treatment at Winship, we will continue to monitor your condition and follow you for at least five years to ensure you remain cancer-free. We also have multidisciplinary teams that can assist you with the management of any short-term or long-term side effects of treatment.

At Winship, we will treat your cancer using the most powerful and precise treatments available with the fewest possible side effects. Still, there may be times when you’ll experience side effects of breast cancer and treatment, such as nausea, skin irritation and fatigue. Our cancer support team will work with you on symptom management so you can continue going about your daily life as best as possible. We even have a comprehensive oncology rehabilitation program that includes expert lymphedema care for those who experience this common side effect of breast cancer surgery that causes swelling and fluid retention. Certified lymphedema specialists are on hand to help patients prevent and manage lymphedema.

We understand there are a lot of complex emotions and mental health considerations when it comes to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. That’s why we have psychiatric oncologists and counselors on staff to help you cope with the mental and emotional aspects of cancer from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, for as long as you need us.