Types & Stages

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Types & Stages

Chapter: 5 - Types & Stages

Subchapter: 1 - Introduction

We will now cover the five stages of breast cancer and what to expect from each stage.

Cancer is assessed by stages ranging from 0-4; each stage represents a progression of the cancer. As the complexity of the cancer intensifies, so does the treatment required to fight it. Breast cancer is assigned to a stage based on where it began in the breast and how much of the breast and other parts of the body are affected by it.

Remember, the stage of cancer is separate from the tumor grade, which we discussed in Subchapter 3.2.

We will also review the types of cancer. First, covering the more common types of breast cancer, but also the unusual diagnoses like triple negative breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, and cancer during pregnancy.

Your responsibility, as discussed in Chapter 4, is to develop a support team, of family or friends, that will comfort and encourage you in this time.

Related Questions

  • Is stage 4 considered really bad?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    10 months ago 6 answers •
    • View all 6 answers
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2012

      Hi Cindy,

      All cancers are staged. The Stages are 1 through 4, with 4 being the most involved. The treatment for Stage 4 is complex and can last a lot longer than treatment for Stages 1 through 3.

      You don't indicate whether you are the patient. It doesn't matter. The first thing I tell...

      more

      Hi Cindy,

      All cancers are staged. The Stages are 1 through 4, with 4 being the most involved. The treatment for Stage 4 is complex and can last a lot longer than treatment for Stages 1 through 3.

      You don't indicate whether you are the patient. It doesn't matter. The first thing I tell anyone who is diagnosed with cancer is, don't go to the internet. There is a lot of misinformation out there and you want to get a true, accurate diagnosis, treatment plan, and if you want, a prognosis. The best person to do that is your doctor.

      With Stage 4 cancer, you might want to seriously consider getting additional opinion(s). There are a number of hospitals in the U.S. that are considered "the best" for cancer treatment. Two of them are M.D. Anderson in Houston, and Sloan Kettering in New York.
      Your doctor should be able to recommend physicians at those hospitals if you want a second opinion.

      Yes, Stage 4 is very serious. I hope that others who are or have been Stage 4 patients will chime in here and tell you their experience(s). If you are the patient, best of luck to you.

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Stage 2B Patient

      I do pray that this is not your staging. But if it is, know that so many women are able to survive this now. There are so many variables that go into staging cancer. 4 usually means that the cancer has spread from its original location. It is hard to even know what questions to ask when you...

      more

      I do pray that this is not your staging. But if it is, know that so many women are able to survive this now. There are so many variables that go into staging cancer. 4 usually means that the cancer has spread from its original location. It is hard to even know what questions to ask when you are hit with a cancer diagnosis. I have found some great friends that started a facebook page (secure and private) called We Are Sisters that is for patients and survivors only. It has been a great support to me. Come join it if you like. God bless you.

      5 comments

  • Why do people get breast cancer or cancer in general?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    almost 2 years ago 2 answers •
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      To put it simply, cells in the body that should die, don't ; instead they start duplicating. The duplication of those bad cells is the cancer.

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2010

      Sometimes it's hereditary. Other times environmental. And still others...random. :(

      Comment

  • Can a benign tumor turn malignant?

    Asked by anonymous

    Family Member or Loved One
    about 2 years ago 1 answers •
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Yes, a benign tumour can turn malignant.

      Comment

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