Global Survival Rate of Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review Publisher



Zivarifar H ; Ahrari F ; Mirzaei M ; Osmani F
Source: Revista de Senologia y Patologia Mamaria Published:2026

Abstract

Background Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with survival rates varying considerably across different regions and populations. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive descriptive synthesis of breast cancer survival rates globally, focusing on 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival outcomes. Methods A systematic search was performed across international databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering studies published from 2005 to January 2023. Observational cohort studies reporting survival rates in women with primary invasive breast cancer were included. Two independent reviewers screened articles, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the STROBE checklist. Descriptive summaries (means, medians, ranges) were calculated for survival rates across studies. Results A total of 74 studies comprising 159,965 breast cancer patients were included. The mean 5-year survival rate across 36 studies was 67.4% (range: 34.0–91.0%). The lowest reported 5-year survival was 34.0% (Tunisia), and the highest was 91.0% (Egypt). Higher survival rates were consistently observed in developed countries (mean: 72.5%) compared to developing countries (mean: 58.3%). By age, 5-year survival was 74.0% for women < 39 years, 76.0% for ages 40–64 years, and 58.0% for ages ≥ 65 years. By disease stage, survival ranged from 90.0% (stage I) to 37.0% (stage IV). Temporal analysis showed improvement in 5-year survival from 63.0% (studies published 2005–2010) to 72.0% (studies published after 2010). Factors associated with better survival included early stage, ER-positive status, younger age (40–64 years), and surgical treatment. Conclusion Breast cancer survival rates vary substantially by geographic region, disease stage, age, and tumor characteristics. While survival has improved over time, particularly in high-income regions, persistent disparities remain. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, including early detection programs, improved access to adjuvant therapies, and standardized data collection for cancer registries, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Copyright © 2026. Publicado por Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.