The breast cancer death rate is declining significantly and more women are surviving longer, according to a special report in Canadian Cancer Statistics 2007, released by the Canadian Cancer Society.
The declining death rate is due to more and better screening, as well as more effective treatments.
?While these strides are good news, breast cancer continues to take a significant toll,? says Heather Logan, Director, Cancer Control Policy, Canadian Cancer Society. ?We chose to study breast cancer more intensely this year because it?s the most common cancer among Canadian women, as well as globally. We must continue to make inroads against this devastating disease that affects so many women and their families.?
According to the special report, the age-standardized death rate for breast cancer for Canadian women has fallen 25 per cent since 1986. The five-year relative survival rate is 86 per cent (for women diagnosed between 1996-1998), excluding Quebec.
Better quality mammography and increased participation in organized breast screening programs (by women aged 50-69 in particular) have led to more breast cancers being detected earlier, which means successful treatment is more likely.
?We know breast cancer screening works,? says Paul Lapierre, Group Director, Public Affairs and Cancer Control, Canadian Cancer Society. ?Barriers to screening must continue to be identified and overcome. If more women are screened, more will survive.?
Advances in breast cancer treatment have also contributed to improved breast cancer survival, including:
– increasing use of chemotherapy and tamoxifen;
– more use of targeted therapy in patients whose cancers over-express the HER-2 oncogene.