[Survival of breast cancer patients in Finland]

In 1953-1979 there were diagnosed more than 19,000 breast cancer cases in Finland. The overall relative 5-year survival rate was 61% (80% for patients with localized cancer and 41% for the nonlocalized cases), actual lifespan was 11 years, as a result of a loss in the expected length of life by 47%. The 5-year relative survival rates increased from 53% in 1953-59 to 69% in 1973-1979. The improvement was probably due to both making better diagnoses and an increased efficacy of clinical service.