Breast cancer survival rates are affected by staging, tumour subtype, treatment response, physical condition and follow‑up arrangements. Therefore, figures found online can only serve as reference and cannot directly represent the prognosis of individual patients.

OncoCare aims to help patients and their families better understand report findings by clearly explaining survival trends across different stages, precise diagnosis, and modern breast cancer treatment options, and to facilitate discussion with doctors on treatment directions suited to individual situations.

How Does Breast Cancer Staging Affect Survival Rate?

Breast cancer staging is commonly assessed using the TNM system:

• T represents the size and extent of the primary tumour
• N represents whether nearby lymph nodes are affected
• M represents whether distant metastasis has occurred

Doctors will combine imaging examinations, pathology reports, surgical findings or biopsy results to determine the stage of breast cancer and formulate treatment direction.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Hong Kong.

In 2023, there were 5,585 new cases of female breast cancer, accounting for 28.9% of all female cancer cases in Hong Kong. Data also shows that the overall 5‑year relative survival rate is 84%:[1]

Breast Cancer Stage	General Situation	5‑Year Relative Survival Rate
Stage I	Early stage tumour, not widely spread	99.3%
Stage II	Larger tumour or limited lymph node involvement	94.6%
Stage III	Locally advanced, may involve more lymph nodes or nearby tissues	76.2%
Stage IV	Distant metastasis present	30%
Overall	Includes patients across all stages	84%

Survival rates are population statistics and cannot alone predict individual outcomes. Within the same stage, tumour subtype, treatment response, age, physical condition and other diseases will affect actual prognosis.

Earlier detection and appropriate treatment generally provide more treatment opportunities. Even for advanced breast cancer, modern drugs and combined therapies can help some patients control the disease and maintain quality of life.

Why Tumour Subtype Affects Breast Cancer Survival Rate

Breast cancer is not a single disease. Even at the same stage (e.g. Stage II or III), different tumour subtypes may require completely different treatment strategies.

Doctors usually assess hormone receptor status, HER2 status and other pathological features to determine the subtype.
HER2 is a protein related to cancer cell growth signalling and influences treatment choice.

• Hormone receptor‑positive breast cancer may consider hormone therapy, and some patients may also require chemotherapy, targeted therapy or other drugs
• HER2‑positive breast cancer indicates higher HER2 expression; targeted therapy against HER2 may be considered
• Triple‑negative breast cancer lacks common hormone receptors and HER2 expression; some cases may consider chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other treatment options

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk. Genetic testing may influence risk assessment and treatment discussions. Higher‑risk situations include having first‑degree relatives with breast cancer, confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, and history of chest radiotherapy at a young age. Genetic testing should be carried out under medical evaluation and counselling. [2]

How Is Breast Cancer Treatment Planned by Stage and Subtype?

Breast cancer treatment is not determined by stage alone. Doctors will also consider the tumour size, lymph node status, presence of metastasis, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, genetic testing results, patient’s age and physical condition and personal preferences. Treatment sequencing is then arranged accordingly. Common treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Hormone receptor testing and HER2 testing of tumour tissue also help determine suitability for specific treatments.[3]

In recent years, more drug options have become available, including ADC drugs (antibody‑drug conjugates), newer targeted drugs and immunotherapies, providing more treatment possibilities.

• ADC (Antibody‑Drug Conjugates): deliver drugs to specific cancer cell targets via antibodies

Some ADCs may be used in certain advanced hormone receptor‑positive HER2‑negative breast cancer and some triple‑negative breast cancer cases.[4]   

However, the suitability of these treatments depends on pathology, subtype, prior treatment and physical condition, and should not be decided based on online information alone.

How to Maintain Quality of Life During Treatment?

Chemotherapy may cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, increased infection risk and temporary hair loss. During chemotherapy, reduced immunity may also lead to vomiting and tiredness. However, the severity varies among individuals, and current chemotherapy and supportive care have improved.

For patients concerned about hair loss, scalp cooling may be discussed with doctors. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and effectiveness depends on drug type and individual condition.

During or after breast cancer treatment, some patients may require rehabilitation and appearance support. CanCare, under the same Group as OncoCare, provides related products include breast prostheses, post-surgical bras, compression garments, wigs, headwear and hair care products.

These support measures do not replace medical treatment but help patients manage recovery and daily life.

OncoCare’s Support for Breast Cancer Treatment

OncoCare provides cancer diagnostic assessment, genetic testing, drug treatment, radiotherapy and ongoing follow-up during treatment. Doctors assist patients in discussing treatment direction based on stage, subtype, physical condition and personal needs. During treatment, doctors will also evaluate whether adjustments are needed based on test results, treatment response and side effects.

OncoCare Cancer Centres in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui provide a private and comfortable environment forconsultations, helping patients and families discuss reports, treatment options and life arrangements.

You may contact the OncoCare oncology team for personalised assessment and treatment discussion.

For more information about breast cancer：https://www.oncocare.hk/en/conditions/breast .

Our health screening plans covering cancer markers associated with common cancers risks, along with a choice of ultrasound scans of the breasts, a 3D Mammogram, etc, to provide an overview of the health conditions. Breast screening should be risk-based and you are welcome to discuss with our doctor. For details: https://www.oncocare.hk/en/health-screening .

Breast Cancer Survival Rates FAQs

Q1: Are online breast cancer survival rates accurate for me?

Online survival rates are for reference only and cannot represent individual outcomes. They are based on population data, while individual prognosis depends on stage, tumour subtype, treatment response, age, physical condition, and other illnesses. Patients should use these figures as a starting point for discussion with their doctor.

Q2: What is the TNM staging system?

TNM is a commonly used staging system.

T = tumour size and extent

N = lymph node involvement

M = distant metastasis

Doctors determine stage and treatment direction using pathology, imaging and clinical findings.

Q3: Will chemotherapy definitely cause hair loss?

Not necessarily. Hair loss depends on drug type, dosage, treatment course, and individual response. Some drugs are more likely to cause hair loss than others. Patients concerned about appearance can discuss scalp cooling, wigs or other support before treatment.

Q4: Is treatment still meaningful for Stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer?

Yes. Treatment goals include controlling disease, relieving symptoms, prolonging survival and maintaining quality of life. With developments in targeted therapy, hormone therapy, ADC drugs and immunotherapy, some patients can achieve long‑term disease control.

Q5: Does genetic testing help improve survival rate?

Genetic testing itself is not treatment but helps assess hereditary risk and guide treatment decisions. For example, BRCA mutations may influence risk management and drug choices. Testing should be evaluated by a doctor based on individual factors.

Q6: After diagnosis, how soon can treatment start in private clinics in Hong Kong?

Private healthcare usually offers more flexible scheduling, but the timeline depends on completion of pathology reports, imaging, staging, genetic testing and treatment planning. Some patients may enter treatment discussions quickly, while others need to wait for key test results before treatment can be safely planned.

 

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[1]Cancer Online Resource Hub：https://www.cancer.gov.hk/tc/hong_kong_cancer/common_cancers_in_hong_kong/breast_cancer.html#1

[2] Cancer Online Resource Hub：https://www.cancer.gov.hk/tc/hong_kong_cancer/common_cancers_in_hong_kong/breast_cancer.html#2

[3]Cancer Online Resource Hub：https://www.cancer.gov.hk/tc/hong_kong_cancer/common_cancers_in_hong_kong/breast_cancer.html#2

[4] American Cancer Society：https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/treatment/targeted-therapy-for-breast-cancer.html