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Stages

Chapter 07 of 15 · 8 cards · about 5 min

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Chapter 07 · Stages
THE QUESTION

What does “stage 2” mean?

The answer in a few cards.

1 / 8

The stage is the map of the journey

The stage tells how far the cancer has spread. It goes from 0 to IV.

Source: ACS, 2026

2 / 8

T, N, M

T = size of the tumour. N = whether are affected. M = whether there are .

Source: ACS, 2026

3 / 8

Stage 0

The cancer has stayed inside the duct or lobule ().

Source: ACS, 2026

4 / 8

Stages I and II: early

The tumour is small or medium, with few or no affected. These are the stages with the best chance of cure.

Source: ACS, 2026

5 / 8

Stage III: locally advanced

The tumour is large, or affects the skin, or many , but not distant organs.

Source: ACS, 2026

6 / 8

Stage IV: metastatic

The cancer has reached other organs. It is treated to control it and to live as well as possible, sometimes for a long time.

Source: ACS, 2026

7 / 8

Why it matters so much

In the United States, is above 99% when the cancer has stayed in the breast, and falls to 32% when it has spread far.

Source: ACS, 2026

8 / 8

In Africa

In studies from sub-Saharan Africa, about 3 cancers in 4 are found at stage III or IV.

Source: Lancet Global Health, 2016

DID YOU KNOW?

In a Mauritanian study of 137 patients, 44.5% were at stage III and 23.4% at stage IV at diagnosis.

Source: BMC Cancer, 2022

TRUE OR FALSE?

“The earlier the cancer is found, the better the chances.”

TRUE OR FALSE?

“Stage IV means there is no treatment left.”

KEY POINTS
  • The stage goes from 0 to IV.
  • It is worked out with T, N and M.
  • Finding cancer early changes everything.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.

Chapter complete!

You now know more than many people. Pass it on.

Next chapter: Treatments →
Sources: ACS, 2026 · Lancet Global Health, 2016…

15 stories to understand it all

Pick a question and let the cards guide you.

01To readWhat is breast cancer?Is a lump in the breast always cancer?5 min read02To readThe signsWould you recognise breast cancer?5 min read03To readRisk factorsWhy do some people get breast cancer and others don't?5 min read04To readScreening, by country and ageShould you wait for a sign before getting a test?5 min read05To readDiagnosis and testsThey found a lump: what happens next?5 min read06To readTypes: hormone-sensitive, HER2, triple-negativeAre all breast cancers the same?5 min read07In progressStagesWhat does “stage 2” mean?5 min read08To readTreatmentsHow is breast cancer treated?5 min read09To readLiving with treatment side effectsFatigue, hair, morale: how to get through treatment?5 min read10To readLife afterAnd when treatment is over?5 min read11To readGenetics and BRCAIs breast cancer passed down in families?5 min read12To readBreast cancer in menCan a man get breast cancer?5 min read13To readYoung womenI'm under 40: can it happen to me?5 min read14To readSupporting a loved oneHow can you help someone with breast cancer?5 min read15To readPreventionCan you reduce your risk of breast cancer?5 min read

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.