Breast cancer tumour characteristics associated with lowered survival in South Africa

Recent research in Soweto, South Africa, which examined the survival rates of 602 patients with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer, found that about 1 in 4 women in the initial group became terminally ill or died 2.1 years post-diagnosis. The 5 year survival rate was 61%.

Breast cancer tumors characterized as late stage (III/IV), HER2 status, or having triple negative receptor subtypes were found to be significant determinants of terminal illness or death. Age at diagnosis, race, and HIV status were not found to be significant predictors of ill outcome. For more information, read the full study here.