| The 5-year breast cancer survival rate for stage 2 | | | | early enough, such as Stage 1 breast cancer, then |
| breast cancer diagnosed in the U.S. varies according | | | | the 5-year breast cancer survival rate is as high as |
| to size of the tumor and whether or not cancer has | | | | 98%-100%. Early detection is the most important |
| spread to the lymph nodes. | | | | way to save the lives of cancer patients. |
| If the breast cancer is under 2 centimeters in | | | | Fortunately for breast cancer patients, there has |
| diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes under | | | | been a great deal of effort put into providing |
| the arm (the axillary lymph nodes), it is stage IIA | | | | information about early detection. Early detection and |
| breast cancer and the survival rate is 88%-92% | | | | improved treatments are the primary reason for |
| (American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute). | | | | increasing breast cancer survival rates. |
| If the breast cancer is between 2-5 centimeters but | | | | Women can help themselves with monthly |
| has not spread, it is also called stage IIA. | | | | self-examinations done at the same time every |
| If the breast cancer is between 2-5 centimeters in | | | | month. When a woman is 20 she should make sure |
| diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes, it is | | | | that she gets a clinical examination at least every |
| called stage IIB breast cancer and the 5-year breast | | | | three years. After the age of 40, the clinical exams |
| cancer survival rate is 76%-81%. | | | | should be part of her annual health check-up, along |
| If the breast cancer is larger than 5 centimeters but | | | | with her mammogram. |
| has not spread beyond the breast, it is also called | | | | Women can also help themselves with healthy habits |
| stage IIB | | | | that may help breast cancer prevention, such as |
| Up to 29% of diagnosed breast cancer is Stage 2 | | | | regular moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy |
| breast cancer for white women and 36% for black | | | | weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol. These, and |
| women. An average of 62% of all breast cancer is | | | | other healthy habits should be maintained for life |
| diagnosed when it is still localized to the breast area | | | | since the risk of breast cancer increases with age. |
| or Stage 1 breast cancer. If the cancer is detected | | | | |