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British Medical Journal (The BMJ)Breast Cancer Mortality in 500,000 Women with Early Invasive Breast Cancer in England, 1993-2015: Population-based Observational Cohort Study

This study aimed to calculate the definitive mortality risks associated with breast cancer for recently diagnosed patients, while also delineating the long-term mortality trends among women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past.


The prognosis for women diagnosed with early invasive breast cancer has seen significant improvements over the past few decades, according to a comprehensive population-based observational cohort study. This study, which utilized data from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, provides valuable insights into the long-term mortality rates and risks associated with this disease.

Key Points:

  • The study analyzed data from 512,447 women in England diagnosed with early invasive breast cancer from January 1993 to December 2015, with follow-up until December 2020.
  • The crude annual breast cancer mortality rate was highest during the first five years post-diagnosis, then declined.
  • Crude five-year breast cancer mortality risk decreased from 14.4% (1993-99) to 4.9% (2010-15).
  • Adjusted annual breast cancer mortality rates also decreased with each calendar period, by a factor of about three in oestrogen receptor positive disease and about two in oestrogen receptor negative disease.

Additional Points:

  • For women diagnosed between 2010-15, the cumulative five-year breast cancer mortality risk varied significantly based on individual characteristics.
  • 62.8% of women had a risk of less than 3%, while 4.6% had a risk of 20% or more.

Conclusion:

  • The five-year breast cancer mortality risks for recently diagnosed patients can be used to estimate current patient mortality risks.
  • The prognosis for women with early invasive breast cancer has improved significantly since the 1990s, with most expected to become long-term survivors, though a small percentage still face considerable risk.

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Did You Know?
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally in 2020. Despite advancements in treatment, mortality rates remain significant, underscoring the need for continued research and improved strategies in early detection and personalized treatment.

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