What Type of Breast Cancer Did Suzanne Somers Have? Stage, Treatment & Advocacy

Suzanne Somers' Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

In 2000, at the age of 53, actress and businesswoman Suzanne Somers announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her openness about her diagnosis and choice of treatment helped raise awareness about breast cancer.

Suzanne Somers' Type of Breast Cancer

Somers was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer, meaning the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes under her arm but not to more distant parts of the body. Specifically, she had infiltrating ductal carcinoma, which is the most common type of breast cancer.

In infiltrating ductal carcinoma, cancer cells begin growing in the milk ducts and then spread into the surrounding breast tissue. It accounts for around 80% of invasive breast cancer diagnoses.

Stage and Grade Provide More Insight

In addition to the specific location of origin, breast cancers are described based on stage and grade:

• Stage indicates size of tumor and degree cancer has spread
• Grade describes appearance of cancer cells and how quickly they are growing

These factors guide treatment options and provide information on prognosis.

Somers' Breast Cancer Treatment Approach

After her diagnosis, Somers initially had a lumpectomy to remove the tumor in her breast along with several lymph nodes. This was followed by radiation therapy.

She then opted for an integrative approach involving the following:

• IV ozone therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Infiltration with mistletoe extract
• Suzanne Somers' choice of alternative therapies in addition to standard treatment was controversial at the time.

Role of Genetics in Suzanne Somers' Cancer

Research suggests genetics likely played a part in Somers’ diagnosis. Having a first-degree female relative with breast cancer raises risk two-fold. Risk increases further with multiple affected relatives.

Gene Mutations Raise Risk

Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes also heighten breast cancer susceptibility dramatically. Lifetime BRCA mutation risk estimates include:

• BRCA1 mutation - 55-65% lifetime breast cancer risk
• BRCA2 mutation - 45% lifetime breast cancer risk

There are likely additional breast cancer risk genes yet to be identified as well.

Family History of Breast Cancer

In Somers’ case, her stepmother had breast cancer at a young age. And Somers’ own daughter was later diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s.

This strong family history supports a likely genetic contribution. Random mutations can occur too without a family history though. Further testing looks for definitive gene mutations.

Suzanne Somers’ Advocacy Efforts

Following her diagnosis, Suzanne Somers became an outspoken advocate for breast cancer awareness and research. Her efforts included:

• Lobbying Congress for increased cancer research funds
• Testifying before a Senate committee on cancer
• Raising money for City of Hope cancer research hospital
• Writing a book about her cancer journey to inspire other women

Thanks to advances Somers pushed for, more treatment options now exist for breast cancer patients to augment standard care based on their individual cancer characteristics.

Growth in Targeted Therapies

Especially promising are newer targeted drug therapies designed to exploit vulnerabilities in specific cancer cells. Types include:

• Hormone therapies - for ER+ cancers with estrogen receptors
• HER2-directed therapies - for HER2+ breast cancers with excess HER2 protein
• PARP inhibitors - for cancers with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations

Which therapies are recommended depends on the receptors present on the cancer cells’ surface.

Individual Treatment Planning

Treatment decisions now utilize information on tumor biology and genetics through tests like:

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing
• Fluorescence Suzanne Somers' in situ hybridization (FISH)
• Gene expression profiling
• Gene sequencing panels

Results guide oncologists to match patients with the best treatment options for their cancer. This personalized approach can improve outcomes.

Suzanne Somers’ Cancer Outlook Today

Thanks to ongoing research, breast cancer prognosis continues to improve with earlier detection and enhanced therapies available. Relative 5-year survival rates by stage demonstrate progress made:

• Stage 0 breast cancer - 100% survival rate
• Stage I breast cancer - 100% survival rate
• Stage II breast cancer - 93% survival rate
• Stage III breast cancer - 72% survival rate
• Stage IV breast cancer - 28% survival rate

So while a scary diagnosis, Suzanne Somers’ detected stage II breast cancer had a favorable outlook with vigilant follow-up care.

Importance of Early Detection

Screening remains key to finding more breast cancers at early curable stages including:

• Monthly self-exams to check for changes
• Clinical breast exams every 1-3 years in 20s-40s
• Annual mammograms at 45, or earlier for those high risk

Catching concerning changes early provides more treatment options with better survival odds.

Reduce Your Risk Where Possible

Research shows adopting healthy lifestyle habits may lower breast cancer risk up to 38%. Protective practices include:

• Engaging in regular exercise
• Maintaining healthy body weight
• Minimizing alcohol intake
• Considering breastfeeding if possible

Talk to your doctor about tailoring risk reduction strategies to your personal and family history.

Thanks to efforts by advocates like Suzanne Somers to expand research and access, women today have more knowledge, screening tools, and treatment choices in the fight against breast cancer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.