Breast cancer stages are a vital classification that determines the course of the disease, treatment options, and prognosis (expected outcome). Although patients often present with symptoms such as lumps or deformities in the breast, knowing the stage is critical for the **personalization** of the treatment to be applied.
Breast Cancer Stages and the TNM System
The internationally accepted **TNM system** is used for staging:
- **T (Tumor):** Refers to the size of the tumor and its spread into breast tissue.
- **N (Node):** Indicates whether cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit.
- **M (Metastasis):** Shows whether the cancer has spread to distant organs in the body (bones, liver, lungs, etc.).
Stage 0: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Cancer cells are **limited only to the milk ducts** and have not spread to surrounding tissue or lymph nodes. It usually does not show symptoms and is detected through routine **mammography screenings**. Treatment success is very high at this stage.
Early Stage: Stage 1 and Stage 2
**Stage 1:** The tumor diameter is **less than 2 cm** and there is no spread to lymph nodes.
**Stage 2:** The tumor is between 2-5 cm or limited spread to nearby lymph nodes has begun.
In these stages, treatment begins with **surgery**, followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy if necessary.
Advanced Stage: Stage 3
This is the stage where the disease progresses more aggressively. The tumor size is larger and spread to lymph nodes is extensive. Changes such as **redness** or a **peau d'orange (orange peel)** appearance may occur on the breast skin. The treatment plan requires a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Metastatic Stage: Stage 4
Cancer cells have spread to distant organs of the body (liver, bone, lung, etc.). At this stage, the main goal is to control the progression of the disease, **improve quality of life**, and extend survival. Treatment is carried out with systemic (affecting the whole body) methods.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS SAVES LIVES
Having a **regular mammogram ONCE A YEAR for women over 40** and not neglecting self-breast examinations is the most certain way to catch the disease at Stage 0 or Stage 1.
Multidisciplinary Approach in the Treatment Process
Regardless of the stage of breast cancer, treatment is carried out by a multidisciplinary team consisting of Surgeons, Medical Oncologists, Radiologists, and **Psychologists**.
In addition, a **healthy lifestyle** (regular exercise, balanced diet) plays an important role in reducing risk and strengthening the body's response to treatment.
