Stage 4 breast cancer

The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and whether it has spread. It helps your doctor decide which treatment you need.

Stage 4 breast cancer has spread to another part of the body. It is also called advanced cancer or secondary breast cancer. The aim of treatment is to control the cancer and any symptoms. Treatment depends on a number of factors.

The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and whether it has spread. It helps your doctor decide which treatment you need.

Stage 4 breast cancer has spread to another part of the body. It is also called advanced cancer or secondary breast cancer. The aim of treatment is to control the cancer and any symptoms. Treatment depends on a number of factors.

There are different systems used in the UK to stage breast cancer. Stage 4 is part of the number staging system. Doctors may also use the TNM staging system.  

Staging for breast cancer is very complex. Many different factors are considered before doctors can confirm your final stage. Speak to your doctor or breast cancer nurse specialist if you have any questions about your staging. Below is a simplified description of stage 4 breast cancer. 

In stage 4 breast cancer:

• the cancer can be any size

• the ​lymph nodes​ may or may not contain cancer cells

• the cancer has spread (metastasised) to other parts of the body such as the bones, lungs, liver or brain

Other stages of breast cancer

• Stage 3

• Stage 2

• Stage 1

• TNM staging