Optimal management for axillary recurrence is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for overall survival in the patients with axillary recurrence. Data of 1098 patients were collected from breast cancer registers from Clinic for Oncology Nis between 1990-1995. All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy. Axillary recurence was diganosed in 43 (3.92%) patients. Most patients were presented with a localized, palpable axillary mass 30 (69.77%). Cox multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for breast cancer-specific survival showed that node status HR 4.69 (1.50 to 14.72), tumor size HR 3.18 (0.90 to 11.26) and axillary radiotherapy HR 1.99 (0.69 to 5.75) had statistically significant effect on breast cancer mortality. Log-rank (54.21 p < 0.001) analysis showed significant difference for overall survival among women with a axillary recurrence based on different cancer stages. Tumor size and node status were the most important prognostic factors in women with axillary recurrence.