Cancer Care

Treatment that considers the stages of breast cancer

Breast cancer stages indicate the extent of cancer in the body. Oncology experts at Goshen Center for Cancer Care know that understanding each stage’s unique characteristics helps guide treatment in the right direction. We take the time to diagnose the stage and create a personalized treatment plan just for you.

Need a second opinion after a diagnosis of breast cancer? Request an appointment or call (888) 492-4673 (HOPE) to speak with an oncology information specialist who can help you take the next steps. We’re here to help you navigate this tough time, whether that’s offering supportive services or diverse treatment options that include naturopathy.

Staging breast cancer at Goshen Center for Cancer Care

Our specialists use imaging, blood tests and biopsy results to pinpoint the stage of the breast cancer.

With test results, we can better understand:

  • The size of the tumor
  • Whether the breast cancer is invasive or noninvasive
  • The presence of cancer in lymph nodes
  • Whether the cancer has spread to other organs

What are the stages of breast cancer?

Numbers ranging from zero to four represent each breast cancer stage, beginning with noninvasive tumors to more extensive cancer.

Stage 0

This type of breast cancer is noninvasive, meaning the tumor remains in its origin site. Stage 0 cancer often responds well to standard treatment options, such as surgery, hormone therapy or radiation.

Stage 1

Stage 1 cancer is an early, invasive cancer that has begun growing into nearby breast tissue. In this stage, the tumor is still small and often responds well to surgery and radiation therapy.

Stage 2

In stage 2 breast cancer, the tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Surgery and radiation are the primary treatments. Shrinking the tumor before surgery – called neoadjuvant therapy – allows women to choose breast-conserving surgery instead of a mastectomy.

Stage 3

Also called locally advanced breast cancer, the tumor has spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes, but not distant body sites. Treating the tumor with radiation before and after a mastectomy is the usual treatment option for stage 3 breast cancer.

Stage 4

Stage 4 breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer has reached distant body sites. Shrinking the tumor, relieving symptoms and prolonging life are the goals at this stage. At Goshen Center for Cancer Care, our team offers a variety of supportive therapies to improve your quality of life while living with stage 4 breast cancer.

No matter the cancer’s stage, we take a fully integrated approach. For cancer care that focuses on survival, call us at (888) 492-4673 (HOPE).

Goshen Center for Cancer Care diagnoses the stages of breast cancer in Goshen and Warsaw, IN, for women in Elkhart County and beyond.