Prognosis of a condition is the likely outlook of the condition and how it will possibly develop. The prognosis of metastatic breast cancer helps in estimating the life expectancy of the patient and the symptoms that one may experience gradually.

After a person’s condition is diagnosed they usually are extremely worried about their prognosis especially in conditions like breast cancer. While some may undergo treatment without asking too many questions, others might be anxious to know each and every possible outcome of the condition.

Know how the prognosis is estimated
The prognosis of metastatic breast cancer is estimated by collecting data of a group of people who had the same condition. This helps in understanding the treatments and survival rates that have constantly improved over the years.

Prognosis is often estimated as a five- or ten- year survival rate. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that the five-year survival rate of metastatic breast cancer is 22 percent. This means that out of 100 people diagnosed with this condition, only 22 people are estimated to live after 5 years.

Factors that influence prognosis
The type of breast cancer, the grade of the breast cancer, lymph node status, HER2 status (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), size of breast cancer, and ER (estrogen-receptor) status are some of the factors that influence the prognosis of breast cancer. Also, other factors that may influence prognosis include age, the overall health of the person, and menopausal status.

The ways in which prognosis is estimated

• Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI)
  This scoring system is used considering a variety of factors like the grade of the breast cancer, size of the same, and whether it has spread in the lymph nodes. Depending on the score, the prognosis is further categorized as excellent, good, moderate, or poor. Every patient who has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer has different prognosis based on their specific case depending on how much cancer has spread and how is their body responding to the on-going treatments.

• Computer programs
  Doctors use online programs to estimate prognosis. The information of the patient diagnosed and their condition is compared with data from several research studies. Some of these programs also help in estimating the survival benefit of treatments like hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. These graphs help the doctor to show the estimated survival benefits to the patient and make better decisions regarding their treatments.