Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How Survival Rates Have Changed

Over the last four decades, there have been significant developments in research, diagnostics, and treatment of breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, based on women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2015 and 2021, those with localized breast cancer had a 5-year survival rate of 99% or greater.

Localized is defined as there being no sign that cancer has spread outside of the breast.

Dr. Gautami Rao, the medical director of Southern New Hampshire Health's oncology program, says she has seen a significant difference in survival rates over her career. She wants women to know that routine mammograms for those over 40 years old are important for early detection. Also, that exercising and eating a healthy diet may lower the risk of breast cancer and its reoccurrence.

Dr. Rao was recently interviewed by WMUR about this topic. You can watch the story by clicking below.