Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff, announced that she has fully recovered from breast cancer. This news comes as significant advancements have been recorded in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in recent years. According to reports, breast cancer is now identified in stages 0 and 1 - before it spreads - in most cases.
Increased Survival Rates and Improved Treatments
The survival rate for breast cancer patients has dramatically increased. Dr. Lynn Dangel, an oncology surgeon from the University of Virginia, said, "Treatments for breast cancer in the early stages are increasingly tailored and less disruptive to women's lives." She added that most of her patients are diagnosed at early stages and can continue working during treatment, which helps reduce their financial burden and disruption to their lives.
Increase in New Breast Cancer Cases
Susie Wiles was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 68, which is slightly above the average age (62 years) at which most women face this disease. According to statistics, over 380,000 American women are diagnosed with some form of breast cancer each year. However, breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, except for skin cancers. The incidence of this disease is also on the rise.
Research indicates that various factors may contribute to this increase, including obesity and delays in childbirth. Additionally, in recent years, the survival rate from breast cancer has decreased by 44 percent since 1989, and the five-year survival rate for this disease in the United States has reached 90 percent.
Given the advancements made in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, more women are able to continue working during treatment, which is beneficial for their financial stability and mental health. According to a survey, 77 percent of women with breast cancer believe that continuing to work helps their recovery process.
