Stages

We strongly believe that Early detection can save your life but what if you do get diagnosed? Understage of breast cancer can determine the best way to eliminate it. See below and learn more from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Stage 0

Stage 0 describes non-invasive breast cancers. There is no evidence of cancer cells invading tissue

Stage I

Stage I describes invasive breast cancer in which the tumor measures up to 2 centimeters. No lymph nodes are involved at this stage.

Stage II

Stage II is divided into subcategories known as IIA and IIB.

Stage IIA

Stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:No tumor can be found in the breast, but cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes.The tumor measures 2 centimeters or less and has spread to the lymph nodes.The tumor is from 2 centimeters to 5 centimeters and has not spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage IIB

Stage IIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:The tumor is from 2 centimeters to 5 centimeters and has spread to the lymph nodes.The tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage III

Stage III: Stage III is divided into subcategories known as IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC.

Stage IIIA

Stage IIIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:No tumor is found in the breast. Cancer is found in lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures, or cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone.The tumor is 5 centimeters or smaller and has spread to lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures.The tumor is larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures.

Stage IIIB

Stage IIIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast.The tumor may have spread to lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures, or cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone.

Stage IIIC

Stage IIIC describes invasive breast cancer in which:There may be no sign of cancer in the breast or, if there is a tumor, it may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast.The cancer has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone.The cancer may have spread to lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone.

Stage IV

Stage IV: Stage IV describes invasive breast cancer in which the cancer has spread to other organs of — usually the lungs, liver, bone, or brain.