This comprehensive overview of breast cancer covers key facts, stages, symptoms, and leading treatment centers. Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, especially before reaching stage 4. Understanding the disease helps women seek prompt medical care and improve outcomes.

Comprehensive Guide to Breast Cancer: Key Facts and Advanced Stages

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer originates when harmless breast cells turn malignant. These tumors are often detected via X-ray scans, with enlarging lumps capable of invading nearby tissues. Stage 4 is the most critical phase, associated with the lowest survival rates and requiring urgent treatment.

Is breast cancer common among women?
Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women, with a 12% chance of occurrence. The following data illustrates the severity of advanced cases:

Approximately 40,920 women die each year due to advanced breast cancer.

In 2018, 266,120 new cases were identified among women.

Between 1989 and 2015, mortality rates for advanced breast cancer decreased by 39%.

More than 3.1 million individuals currently live with advanced breast cancer.

The incidence among African-American women is rising by 0.3% annually.

Stages of breast cancer
The National Cancer Institute classifies breast cancer into four primary stages:

Stage 1
Tumor size is up to 2 cm, with localized spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 2
Cancer extends into neighboring tissues and involves multiple lymph nodes; tumor exceeds 2 cm.

Stage 3
The tumor becomes more aggressive, potentially leading to skin ulcers or inflammation.

Stage 4
The most advanced phase, where cancer metastasizes beyond the breast to other body parts.

Signs of late-stage breast cancer
Symptoms in advanced stages include skin changes, palpable lumps, swelling, tiredness, nipple discharge, and sleep issues.

Inflammatory breast cancer may cause redness, swelling, and blocked lymph vessels.

Initially, breasts might appear normal, but swelling can become evident as the disease progresses.

Presence of lumps or swelling spreading to the arm suggests metastatic breast cancer.

Top treatment centers for advanced breast cancer
Early detection greatly boosts the chance of survival. Patients diagnosed at stage 3 have up to a 72% survival rate, while stage 4 drops to around 22%. Leading treatment facilities include:

Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

UCLA Medical Center

University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Cleveland Clinic

MD Anderson Cancer Center