< previous page | page_318 | next page >
Page 318
| Table 12.2 Stages of Breast Cancer |
| In situ |
| About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are discovered very early. They are sometimes called carcinoma in situ (found only in the local area, not invading nearby tissues). Other terms for this type of cancer are intra-ductal carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, and lobular carcinoma in situ. |
| Stage I |
| The cancer that is no larger than 2 centimeters (just under 1 inch), has no nodal involvement, and has not spread beyond the breast. Statistics show an 80 percent five-year survival rate at this stage. |
| Stage II |
| Any of the following may be true: The cancer has spread to the axillary lymph nodes (under the arm) but is no bigger than 2 centimeters. The cancer is between 2 and 5 centimeters and may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes. The cancer is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the lymph nodes under the arms. Statistics show a 65 percent five-year survival rate at this stage. |
| Stage III |
| Stage IIIA is defined by either of the following: The cancer is smaller than 5 centimeters, has spread under the arm to the lymph nodes, and has cells that have grown together and become attached to the lymph nodes. The cancer is larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to the lymph nodes. Stage IIIB is defined by either of the following: The cancer has attached to tissues near the breast-chest wall, including muscles and ribs. Cancer that has spread to lymph nodes near the collarbone but without disseminated metastases. Statistics show a 40 percent five-year survival rate at this stage. |
| Stage IV |
| The cancer has metastasized and spread to other organs of the body. Statistics show a 10 percent five-year survival rate at this stage. 13 |
| Risk Factors |
| Genetics |
| Although it is estimated that 85 percent of breast cancers occur in women without a strong genetic predisposition, 15 percent of all breast cancers can be directly attributed to generic causes such as the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes. |
< previous page | page_318 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!