Breast cancer occurs in and is diagnosed by stages. In this section we will discuss the characteristics which determine which stage of breast cancer an individual is in. Find out more about treatment options available to you.
Stage 1
- Cancer has formed.
- Tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller.
- Has not spread outside of breast.
- Small clusters of cancer cells are found in lymph nodes or
- No tumor or tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller.
Stage 2
- No tumor, or tumor is smaller than 2 centimeters, cancer is also found in the lymph nodes, or the breast.
- Tumor is larger than 2-5 centimeters, cancer has not spread to lymph nodes.
Stage 3
- No tumor, or tumor can be any size, cancer has spread to lymph nodes, or
- Tumor is larger than 5 centimeters, small clusters of cancer cells are found in lymph nodes or the breast.
- Tumor is larger than 5 centimeters, cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
Stage 4
- Cancer has spread to other parts of the body including organs, and bones.
- Most often spread to bones, lungs, brain, or liver.