Breast cancer is staged based on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Stage 1 breast cancer refers to an early stage of breast cancer in which the tumor is small and has not spread beyond the breast tissue or nearby lymph nodes.
More specifically, stage 1 breast cancer is characterized by:
- A tumor that measures up to 2 centimeters (cm) in diameter and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes, or
- No tumor is found in the breast, but cancer cells are present in the axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes under the arm), and the cancer is either not visible on imaging tests or is smaller than 2 cm in diameter.
Treatment for stage 1 breast cancer usually involves surgery to remove the tumor and, in some cases, radiation therapy. Chemotherapy and other systemic treatments may be recommended if there is a higher risk of the cancer recurring or spreading to other parts of the body. It is important to discuss the best treatment options with your healthcare provider based on your individual circumstances.
