Advances in cancer treatment, early detection, and genetic research are significantly improving breast cancer survival chances, according to Dr. Tyrone Adcock, an assistant professor at Kansas City University (KCU) in Joplin. However, he emphasized that regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices remain critical.
Approximately one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Estimates for 2026 project 321,000 women and 2,600 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Dr. Adcock noted that breast cancer is not exclusive to women, and male breast cancer can be particularly aggressive.
Survival rates have seen substantial improvement over recent decades. In the 1970s, the average five-year survival rate for breast cancer was around 75 to 76 percent. Today, the overall rate is closer to 92 percent, and for patients whose cancer is confined to the breast, the survival rate exceeds 99 percent.
Dr. Adcock attributed these improvements to a combination of scientific advances, including a better understanding of cancer genetics, the development of targeted therapies, precision medicine, immunotherapy, and advanced imaging technology. Screening and early detection are also crucial, as identifying cancer before it spreads generally leads to more successful treatment outcomes.
Individuals can take steps to help reduce their risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding obesity, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption. Dr. Adcock also encouraged women who are able to breastfeed to consider doing so and underscored the importance of adhering to recommended examinations and screening schedules.
Genetics play a role in a person's risk of developing breast cancer. Inherited mutations affecting genes responsible for repairing damaged cells can increase the likelihood of abnormal cells developing into cancer. Mutations involving the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are prominent examples. Families should pay attention to patterns such as breast cancer diagnosed before age 50, multiple relatives with breast cancer, male breast cancer in the family, or a family history of ovarian or colon cancer, as these can indicate an inherited risk. Identifying individuals with elevated genetic risk helps guide decisions about screening and preventive measures.
Researchers at KCU’s Joplin campus are currently engaged in two major breast cancer projects. One project investigates nuclear receptors and inflammatory markers to determine if specific biological factors contribute to chemotherapy resistance and more aggressive disease. The second project involves collaboration with a large oncology group that maintains a database of patients identified with a high genetic risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers are examining how other health conditions and factors, such as smoking, diabetes, and immune suppression, might affect cancer risk and patient outcomes.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also being utilized in this research. Dr. Adcock stated that researchers are using AI to analyze statistical patterns, including patterns of inheritance and specific regions of the genome that may be linked to an increased breast cancer risk. He noted that this technology could eventually help identify high-risk individuals, improve screening decisions, and assist in detecting subtle abnormalities that might otherwise be difficult to recognize during routine screening. Dr. Adcock described AI as a tool for analyzing information and identifying patterns that support research and medical decision-making.
For those concerned about their personal risk or a family history of breast cancer, Dr. Adcock recommended seeking guidance from local primary care physicians, OB-GYN providers, or oncology groups. These providers can offer appropriate testing and screening services. The KCU Joplin campus research program does not directly provide these services.
Dr. Adcock's message emphasizes that while some genetic and risk factors are beyond individual control, the combination of research and treatment advancements, healthy habits, and appropriate screening can make a meaningful difference in the fight against breast cancer.
