Narrator: This is Science Today. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women and remains the leading cause of death of women between ages 40 and 55. Despite such grim statistics, survival rates today are higher than ever, thanks to screening for early detection and advances in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Laura Esserman, director of the Breast Care Center at the University of California, San Francisco, says their center strives to treat the whole person.

Esserman: We don't treat every breast cancer the same, because breast cancer isn't the same for every woman. The goal is to tailor treatment to patient's biology, personal preference and to constantly monitor the effectiveness of our treatment.

Narrator: As one of the nation's leading research institutions, the Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center has ongoing research projects to explore new treatments and emphasizes a supportive environment between doctor and patient.

Esserman: When patients and physicians share in the decision-making process, that's where you find opportunities to improve care.

Narrator: For Science Today, I'm Larissa Branin.