This graph shows the overall five-year survival rates for women treated at Roswell Park in 1998 and 1999. In assessing these data, it is critical that the reader understand that these show overall survival and not just survival from breast cancer – women may have died of causes other than breast cancer. Small differences between from national figures are probably of little significance. However, we felt that it was important in presenting these data that we show what the overall survivor rate for New York State and national reported information.

As expected, the survival decreases with a more advanced stage of cancer. Of particular interest is that the five-year survival for Stage I breast cancer is almost equal to that for Stage 0 (in situ) cancer. This finding is further support for the value of the cancer screening, and the aggressive use of hormonal and chemotherapy in these patients. Having five years survivals of over 90% with women with Stage I cancer is another demonstration of the improvements in cancer care that have been seen over the last three decades.