Long-Term Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Growing Population

Abstract

Breast cancer represents the most common malignancy among women. However, due to effective public health campaigns and updated screening guidelines, the annual incidence of late stage diagnoses has fallen. This stage migration has allowed for better prognosis and more women achieving long-term survival. In this chapter, we review long-term survivorship – defined as 10 years from diagnosis – as reported in the United States and around the world. Additionally, we provide analysis for socio-demographic, clinical and pathologic factors associated with 10-year survival, using data from a large national registry. This chapter also utilizes historical case data to forecast stage migration patterns in breast cancer diagnoses, within the United States, to 2030. Finally, we discuss the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic on breast cancer treatment and access to care, with a review of clinical considerations for the future.