Stages and grades of breast cancer
The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and how far it has spread. It helps your doctor decide the best treatment for you. The TNM staging system stands for:
tumour (cancer)
node
metastasis
The TNM staging system is the most common way to stage breast cancer in the UK. Doctors may also use a number staging system.
Staging for breast cancer is very complex. Many different factors are considered before doctors can confirm your final stage. The tests and scans you have give your doctor some information about the stage. But your doctor might not be able to tell you the exact stage until you have surgery.
Speak to your doctor or breast cancer nurse specialist if you have any questions about your staging.
Find out about the number stages of breast cancer
Your doctor uses information from a tissue sample of your cancer to find out about the stage. They can also find out other information about your cancer. These include:
receptors for the oestrogen and progesterone
levels of the protein HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)
the grade of the cancer
This information helps your doctor work out your overall stage, outlook (prognosis) and treatment plan.
Last reviewed: 17 May 2023
Next review due: 17 May 2026
The stage tells you how big your cancer is and whether it has spread. The grade means how abnormal the cells look under a microscope.
You have a number of tests to check for breast cancer. This includes a breast examination, a mammogram, a biopsy and scans.
A biopsy means having a sample of breast tissue taken to look at under the microscope. There are different types of breast biopsy. The most common type is a needle biopsy.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on a number of factors. Find out about breast cancer treatments, where and how you have them, and how to cope with possible side effects.
Survival is generally very good for breast cancer, particularly if you are diagnosed early. This is probably because of screening, early diagnosis and improved treatment. Find out more.
Find out about breast cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, survival, and how to cope with the effects on your life and relationships.
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