Stage I: Early stage of breast cancer in which the tumor is
less than 1 inch. The cancer is found in only one breast and has not spread to
surrounding tissues and organs
Stage II: Early stage of breast cancer in which the tumor
is less than 1 inch, but has spread to nearby lymph node located under the
armpit, or the tumor is 1 to 2 inches and has not spread to lymph nodes.
Stage III: Advanced stage of breast cancer in which the
tumor is larger than 2 inches and has spread to the lymph nodes. In stage 3,
the cancer may have spread to surrounding tissues located near the breast
Stage IV: Advanced stage of breast cancer in which
cancerous cells spread to other organs such as the bones, lungs, liver, and
brain.
Risk Factors
Breast cancer may occur in any woman regardless of age or nationality.
Mistakenly, many women believe that breast cancer is caused by a gene. They
reason that if no other woman in their family has breast cancer, they are
immune to the illness. However, several women without a family history of
breast cancer, or any other form of cancer, develop the illness. Similar to
other illnesses, cancer is random and can affect anyone at anytime during their
life. Nonetheless, there are factors that may increase a woman's chance of
developing breast cancer. These include:
Person history of
breast cancer (women treated for breast cancer may have a recurrence of
the illness, or cancer may spread to the other breast)
Family history of
breast cancer, or any other type of cancer
Altered gene (some
women contain a hereditary defected gene that increases the odds of
developing breast cancer)
Other factors that place a woman at risk of developing breast cancer is
being over the age of 50. Breast cancer rarely occurs in women under the age of
35 – but it is possible. On average, women who are diagnosed at an early age
have a strong family history of breast cancer. This consists of having several
close family members diagnosed with breast cancer, perhaps a mother or sibling.
Researchers have concluded that long-term exposure to estrogen may cause a
variety of cancers. Thus, women who begin early menstruation are also at great
risk. Having children later in life is another risk factor. Late childbearing
consists of having one's first child pass the age of 30. Lastly, women who
abuse alcohol have a higher risk of breast cancer.