---
title: "Breast Cancer Survival Rates by Stage and Subtype"
description: "NHS and ONS five-year survival statistics for breast cancer Stages I–IV, explained in plain English — with global comparison data from the WHO."
url: https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-survival-statistics/
robots: noindex
---

# Breast Cancer Survival Rates by Stage and Subtype

Breast health information

NHS and ONS five-year survival statistics for breast cancer Stages I–IV, explained in plain English — with global comparison data from the WHO.

## Quick answer

Survival rates for breast cancer vary dramatically by stage. In the UK, Stage I has almost 100% five-year survival; Stage IV more than 30%. Understanding these figures helps women make sense of their diagnosis.

**Your next step:** see a GP (or your doctor, if you live outside the UK) about any new breast or chest change. These guides explain general information; your care team can advise on your own situation.

**Content updated:** 28 May 2026 .

Independent clinical review has not yet been recorded for this page.

[How we prepare health information](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/) · [Report an error](https://breastcancer-charity.org/corrections/)

At a glance

UK five-year survival at Stage 1: approximately 98% UK five-year survival at Stage 4: approximately 26% Overall UK five-year survival is almost 90% — more than double the 1970s figure In low-income countries without screening, five-year survival can be below 40%

## What survival statistics mean

Five-year survival rates describe the percentage of people alive five years after a breast cancer diagnosis, based on large population datasets compiled from the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS). They are population averages — individual outcomes depend on many factors including tumour characteristics, general health, and treatment response. A high survival rate is not a guarantee; a lower one is not a verdict.

## UK five-year survival by stage (NHS/ONS)

- Stage 1 — small tumour (up to 2cm), no lymph node spread: approximately 98% five-year survival
- Stage 2 — tumour 2–5cm and/or limited lymph node involvement: approximately 90% five-year survival
- Stage 3 — locally advanced, significant lymph node or chest wall involvement: approximately 70% five-year survival
- Stage 4 — secondary/[metastatic breast cancer](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/), spread to distant organs: approximately 26% five-year survival

## Why survival has improved so dramatically

UK breast cancer survival has more than doubled over the past 40 years — from around 40% in the 1970s to almost 90% today. The main drivers are: the introduction of NHS mammography screening in 1988 (shifting more diagnoses to earlier stages); the development of targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) for [HER2-positive](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/her2-positive-breast-cancer/) disease; improved hormone therapies for ER-positive disease; and better surgical and [radiotherapy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-radiotherapy/) techniques.

## Survival by cancer subtype

- Hormone receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer: generally good prognosis; five to ten years of hormone therapy ([tamoxifen](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/hormone-therapy-side-effects/) or an aromatase inhibitor) significantly reduces recurrence risk
- [HER2-positive breast cancer](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/her2-positive-breast-cancer/): previously poor prognosis, now greatly improved with trastuzumab and other HER2-targeted drugs — survival has roughly doubled since Herceptin was introduced
- [Triple-negative breast cancer](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/triple-negative-breast-cancer/) (TNBC): tends to be more aggressive, but responds well to chemotherapy when it does respond; [immunotherapy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/immunotherapy-for-breast-cancer/) (pembrolizumab) is further improving outcomes for high-risk early TNBC

## The global survival gap

While UK five-year survival is almost 90%, the equivalent figure in low-income countries can be below 40%. This is not primarily a biological difference — it is structural. In countries without population screening programmes, most breast cancers are found at Stage III or IV. In Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia — the countries where Breast Cancer Charity works — late-stage diagnosis is the norm rather than the exception. Improving access to early detection in these countries is the most cost-effective way to save lives.

## Living with Stage 4 breast cancer

The five-year survival figure for Stage 4 (secondary) breast cancer — approximately 26% — is a population average and has been rising steadily. Many people live well beyond five years. New treatments including [CDK4/6](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/cdk46-inhibitors-breast-cancer/) inhibitors (palbociclib, ribociclib), [antibody-drug conjugates](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/antibody-drug-conjugates-breast-cancer/) (trastuzumab deruxtecan), PARP inhibitors (olaparib) and [immunotherapy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/immunotherapy-for-breast-cancer/) have significantly extended survival for specific patient groups. [Secondary breast cancer](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/) is increasingly managed as a long-term condition.

## Frequently asked questions

What is the survival rate for breast cancer in the UK? The overall five-year survival rate for breast cancer in the UK is almost 90% — one of the highest in the world. At Stage 1, it is almost 100%. At Stage 2, around 90%. At Stage 3, around 70%. At Stage 4 (secondary breast cancer), more than 30%. These are population averages from NHS/ONS data; individual outcomes vary considerably. What is the life expectancy for breast cancer? Life expectancy depends heavily on stage at diagnosis. In the UK, more than 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are alive ten years later. At Stage 1, almost 100% are alive after five years. Even Stage 4 (secondary) breast cancer is increasingly managed as a long-term condition, with many people living years beyond diagnosis thanks to CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy. Has breast cancer survival improved? Yes, dramatically. UK breast cancer survival has more than doubled over the past 40 years — from around 40% in the 1970s to almost 90% today. The key drivers are NHS mammography screening (shifting diagnoses to earlier stages), improved targeted treatments such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), and better hormone therapies. What is the survival rate for Stage 4 breast cancer? The UK five-year survival rate for Stage 4 (secondary or metastatic) breast cancer is approximately 26%. This is a population average and has been rising. Many people live well beyond five years with modern treatments. New drugs including CDK4/6 inhibitors and immunotherapy have significantly extended survival for some patients in recent years.

## Sources and further reading

- [Cancer Research UK: breast cancer survival statistics](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer/survival)
- [Cancer Research UK: breast cancer statistics](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer)
- [NHS inform: breast cancer in women](https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/breast-cancer-in-women/)
- [WHO: first global breast cancer survival estimates (2026)](https://www.who.int/news/item/08-07-2026-first-global-breast-cancer-survival-estimates-show-wide-regional-and-income-disparities)
- [WHO: Global Breast Cancer Initiative](https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-breast-cancer-initiative)
- [WHO: breast cancer fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer)

This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our [editorial policy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/).

## Keep reading

[Support ### Where can I get breast cancer support in the UK?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/breast-cancer-support/) [📊 ### What do the stages of breast cancer mean?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-stages/)[🎗️ ### What is breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/what-is-breast-cancer/)[📷 ### Who should get breast cancer screening and when?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-screening/)