The American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 5 women diagnosed with breast cancer will have a recurrence within 10 years of receiving therapy. Breast cancer recurrence rates vary depending on several factors.
Tumor Size and Location
Women with larger tumors have increased risk for recurrence of breast cancer. Cancer that has spread to lymph nodes surrounding the breast tissue also increases risk.
Nuclear and Histological Grade
Histological grade refers to the degree to which a cancer cell differs from the body's normal cells. Cells with significant mutations increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. The higher the histological grade, on a 1 to 4 scale, the greater the risk, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Nuclear Grade
Nuclear grade refers to the rate at which a cancer cell divides. Women with faster-growing cancers have a higher risk of recurrence. Cells are graded on a 1 to 4 scale, with 4 being the fastest-growing.
Oncogene Expression
Women who test positive for the breast cancer genes BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 are at greater risk for recurrence than those who do not.
Hormone Receptors
If a particular breast cancer is estrogen- or progesterone-receptor negative, chances for recurrence increase. These cancers tend to be more aggressive and respond to treatment less.
