Is there such a thing as a "slow" developing breast cancer?

[no_hypocrisy]

Cancer is cancer, yes. My g/f was diagnosed with a slow-moving breast cancer at age 61.

Or is that a term used when doctors "catch it early"?

[ananda]

1. I do think some cancers are more aggressive than others.

Not all tumors are the same.

[ingac70]

2. They mean it doesn't grow or spread as fast as others. n/t

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/HQ00348

[rexcat]

3. Cancer is not one disease...

they are many types of cancers. Each cancer is a separate disease that initially affects an organ then invades the body if metastasis takes place. There are many types of breast cancers with different genetic makeups and the treatments can vary widely. Some are easier to treat than others. If your g/f's breast cancer is estrogen positive there are specific treatments available. If she were to be HER+ that would be another issue because the HER+ tumors are more aggressive and the treatment is different. There are many other tumor markers that the tissue will be tested for and her treatment could be modified based on the markers.

My I make a suggestion and go to the American Cancer Society and start doing the research and www.FDA.gov is another good starting point. There are many national and local support groups available. She might want to get involved in a clinical trial. Cancer patients who participate in clinical trials (sponsored by the NIH or a pharmaceutical company) do better than those who choose not to.

To disclose I am a consultant in the pharmaceutical industry and I have been involved in many phase 1-IV oncology clinical trials. There is a lot of good work in oncology being done by the NIH and the pharmaceutical industry. Pharma has its issues but they do some good work.

On edit - I hope the best for your g/f!

[JohnnyLib2]

4. Please contact the American Cancer Society.

They are very well equipped to answer questions.

http://www.cancer.org/

[no_hypocrisy]

5. A very warm and meaningful "Thank You" to EVERYBODY who responded.

Good advice and looking into everything.