Stage III
What it is: There are several different scenarios. For instance, it may be a tumor of any size that has also invaded the chest wall or skin; the cancer may also have reached lymph nodes in the collarbone area or have affected 10 or more lymph nodes under the arm. Treatment may involve chemo, surgery (possibly mastectomy), often radiation and appropriate drugs.
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Stage IV
What it is: A small percentage of cancers are diagnosed at this stage, in which cells have spread from the bloodstream, tissue or lymph system (typically to bones, lungs, liver or brain). Treatments such as drugs for hormone-sensitive cancers, chemo and targeted therapies have progressed—docs can now keep some stage IV cancers at bay for up to 20 years.
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Sources: Annals of Internal Medicine; National Cancer Institute's Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results; Alonzo P. Walker, M.D., director of the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Breast Care Center; Carey Anders, M.D., Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Centers for Disease Control; American Cancer Society.
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