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Breast cancer survivor attending a support group meeting

The triple negative breast cancer survival rate is a general point of reference that is sometimes used by physicians when discussing patient outcomes. Like all other cancer survival rates, it must be viewed in context and cannot be used to predict the outlook for any specific patient.

It is understandable, however, that a patient might be interested in learning as much as possible about triple negative breast cancer, including the survival rate, which can sometimes provide a general, but helpful, perspective. The most accurate source of information is a personal consultation with a physician, who can provide individualized information based on the:

  • Cancer stage
  • Cancer grade
  • Patient’s age
  • Patient’s overall health
  • Patient’s response to treatment

It’s important to remember that no one, not even a physician, can forecast exactly how a certain triple negative breast cancer case will progress or respond to treatment. Survival rates, while sometimes useful as benchmarks, are based on broad national statistics. These statistics are derived from information relating to patients who were diagnosed and treated several years ago, and likely before many current breast cancer treatment options were available. The bottom line is that every breast cancer patient has a unique experience that cannot be accurately predicted.

What are relative survival rates?

Before discussing the survival rates of triple negative breast cancer, it may be helpful to explain exactly what relative survival rates are. These percentages represent how many people with a certain disease survive over a specific time period when compared to individuals without that condition. So, for example, if the five-year relative survival rate for triple negative breast cancer is 77%, it means that individuals with this malignancy are approximately 77% as likely as those without the condition to live for at least five years after being diagnosed.

Triple negative breast cancer vs. other types of breast cancer

When compared to other types of breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer generally:

  • Grows more quickly
  • Spreads faster
  • Is more likely to have spread by the time it’s diagnosed
  • Has fewer treatment options available
  • Is more likely to return after treatment

As such, the survival rate for triple negative breast cancer is generally not as good as it is for other types of breast cancer.

How new treatments could affect the survival rate of triple negative breast cancer

Generally speaking, receiving treatment for a malignancy—especially if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage—will improve a patient’s prognosis. However, survival rate statistics are based on information collected from patients who were treated several years ago, when many current treatment options were likely not yet being offered. As such, as time goes on and more novel therapies are introduced, survival rates for triple negative breast cancer will likely improve.

Triple negative breast cancer treatment at Moffitt

A nationally recognized leader in cancer research, Moffitt Cancer Center offers the latest advances in treatments as well as robust clinical trials, which help us to achieve overall breast cancer survival rates that exceed national averages. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and compassionate support that enhance each patient’s quality of life.

If you have questions about the triple negative breast cancer survival rate, you don’t need a referral to consult with the outstanding breast cancer team at Moffitt. Just call 1-888-663-3488 or fill out our new patient registration form online. At Moffitt, your cancer diagnosis is our top priority, so you can expect to be connected to a cancer expert as soon as possible. We look forward to speaking with you and providing you with more personalized information about your triple negative breast cancer prognosis.

References

American Cancer Society: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer