Breast Cancer Stages
The stages of breast cancer range from 0 to IV (0 to 4).
The highest stage (stage IV) is any cancer with metastases (M1), no matter the size of the tumor, the lymph node status or other factors. This is known as metastatic breast cancer and is the most advanced stage of breast cancer.
Metastatic Breast Cancer, also called stage 4 or MBC, is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body – most commonly, to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. It’s estimated that more than 168,000 U.S. women and an unknown number of men have MBC.
Breast Cancer Screening
Screening tests are used to find breast cancer before it causes any warning signs or symptoms. Regular screening tests (along with follow-up tests and treatment if diagnosed) reduce your chance of dying from breast cancer. As a preventative and for early detection, women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so. Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year
Talk to your physician about screenings and a routine to keep you healthy.