How fatal is stage 3 breast cancer?

40-70% 5-yr survival: The most recent statistics from the national cancer database quote the above numbers for stage 3 breast cancer, which varies quite a bit between 3a v. 3b or 3c. Keep in mind that this is based on people diagnosed as long as a decade ago, so it may not reflect the most up-to-date treatments.

Varies: The eight-year survival rate for stage 3 breast cancer is approximately 40%, and the five-year survival rate ranges from 40% to almost 70%, which means that many women will live for several years after their diagnosis. In fact, many women live for much longer, and several effective stage 3 breast cancer treatment options are available.

About half die: This is a hard question. It depends on whether it's stage3a, b or c, and the time of survival. At 5 years after diagnosis, 50-60% of women with stage 3 breast cancer are alive. Other factors are age, receptor status of the tumor, number of lymph nodes involved, and treatment. Remember that survival is improving all the time!