STAGE 1 AWARENESS

 

What Is Stage 1 Breast Cancer?

Stage 1 breast cancer is an early stage of the disease. At this stage, the cancer is still small, and it has not spread far, making it one of the most treatable and curable stages.

How Stage 1 Is Defined

Stage 1 is divided into Stage 1A and Stage 1B.

🔹 Stage 1A

  • The tumor is 2 cm or smaller (about the size of a peanut).

  • Cancer has NOT spread to lymph nodes (or only tiny traces).

🔹 Stage 1B

  • There may be no tumor in the breast, or the tumor is 2 cm or smaller.

  • Small clusters of cancer cells (0.2 mm to 2 mm) are found in nearby lymph nodes.

Key Characteristics of Stage 1 Breast Cancer

  • Cancer is localized.

  • Has not spread to distant organs.

  • Very high survival rate (over 95% in many cases).

  • Treatment is usually less aggressive compared to later stages.

Symptoms (Sometimes Very Minimal)

Many Stage 1 cancers show no clear symptoms and are found during routine mammograms.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • A small lump in the breast

  • Slight changes in breast shape or texture

  • Skin dimpling

  • Nipple discharge (rare in early stage)

Diagnosis Methods

Doctors use:

  • Mammogram

  • Ultrasound

  • Biopsy

  • MRI (if needed)

  • Hormone receptor tests (ER, PR)

  • HER2 test
    These help plan the correct treatment.

Treatment Options for Stage 1

Treatment depends on tumor type, hormone sensitivity, and patient preferences.

1. Surgery

Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy)

  • Removal of only the tumor + small margin
    OR
    Mastectomy

  • Removal of the entire breast (less common in Stage 1)

Lymph nodes near the breast may be checked (sentinel node biopsy).

2. Radiation Therapy

Often given after lumpectomy to prevent recurrence.

3. Hormone Therapy (if hormone receptor–positive)

Used when cancer is ER+/PR+
Examples:

  • Tamoxifen

  • Aromatase inhibitors

Helps prevent the cancer from returning.

4. Chemotherapy

Not always needed.
Used when:

  • Tumor is aggressive

  • HER2-positive

  • Triple-negative breast cancer

  • High genomic test score

5. Targeted Therapy

If HER2-positive, medications like:

  • Trastuzumab

  • Pertuzumab

may be recommended.

Prognosis (Outcome)

Stage 1 breast cancer has an excellent prognosis:

  • 5-year survival rate: over 95–99% with proper treatment.

  • Early detection makes long-term cure very likely.

Lifestyle & Follow-Up

After treatment:

  • Regular follow-up every 3–6 months initially

  • Annual mammograms

  • Healthy diet, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake help lower recurrence risk

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