Early breast cancer (stage I or II) is the most common invasive breast cancer. The tumors have spread to nearby breast tissue and in stage II breast cancers small amounts of cancer may be in lymph nodes. Stage I breast cancers are smaller than two centimeters and have not spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes). Stage II breast cancers are either larger or have spread to the axillary nodes. For more on the stages of breast cancer, see the Diagnosis section.
With treatment, women with early breast cancer usually have a good prognosis. Nearly 90 percent of women with stage I breast cancer survive five years beyond their diagnosis. Among those with stage II breast cancer, 80 percent survive five years [71].
Although the exact treatment for breast cancer varies from person to person, several organizations have treatment guidelines to help ensure quality care. These guidelines are based on the latest research, and some are available online. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) are two respected organizations that regularly update and post their guidelines online. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) also has overviews of treatment options.
You should ask your health care providers what guidelines they use as the basis of their practice. However, it is important to keep in mind that there is often a lag between the latest research and updates treatment guidelines. For this reason, most medical oncologists prefer to base their treatment on the most up-to-date research that ultimately drives these guidelines.
Playing an active role
Many people choose to play an active role in making treatment decisions. By understanding your breast cancer and your treatment options and their possible side effects, you and your health care provider can choose treatments that fit your values and lifestyle.
Updated 08/25/09
