The chance of cure depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of breast cancer, your age and general health, and whether it has spread to other areas of your body.  Another determining factor is whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or if it has come back.

Breast cancer survival continues to improve. As more women do regular self-exams, more cancers are found early. As mammograms and other screening methods (such as MRI) improve, more cancers are being detected before they can even be felt. Finding and treating breast cancer early greatly increases your chances of survival and cure.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, discuss your cancer and treatment options with your doctor so that you understand them. You may want to get a second opinion. Tell your doctor if your treatment causes discomfort. Usually there are ways to relieve the discomfort.  Get regular checkups after your treatment is finished.  Continue monthly self-exams, even if both of your breasts have been removed, to look for signs that the cancer has come back or a new cancer has started.

To help detect breast cancer early, do a breast self-exam every month.  Have a breast exam by your doctor at least every 3 years if you are 20 to 39 years old and every year after the age of 40.  If you have a high risk for breast cancer and are 30 years old or older, ask your doctor how often you should have a mammogram. Your doctor may recommend MRI screening as well. All women age 50 to 70 should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years, depending on their personal and family history. Comparing mammograms from year to year helps detect early cancer. If you are over 70, ask your doctor how often you should have a mammogram.  Never ignore a lump or change in the look or feel of your breast. Remember that a cancerous tumor is usually not painful.

Help prevent breast cancer and become a lifelong exerciser. Moderate exercise (half an hour, most days of the week) may lower your risk. Keep a healthy weight. Women who gain 20 to 30 pounds after their teens are more likely to get breast cancer than those who don't gain this much weight. This is because fat cells produce estrogen, which promotes breast cancer.  Eat a healthy diet that includes low-fat dairy products and lots of fruits and vegetables. Limit your alcohol use if you drink. It is recommended that women have no more than 1 drink a day.  If you have a baby, consider breast-feeding. It helps lower your risk of breast cancer.  Avoid hormone (estrogen) replacement therapy if possible. It may increase breast cancer risk.

For more information on cancer, contact national and local organizations such as:
 

American Cancer Society, Inc.
Web site: http://www.cancer.org  
 

AMC Cancer Research Center and Foundation
Web site: http://www.amc.org  
 

Cancer Information Service
Web site: http://cis.nci.nih.gov