Stage 1 breast cancer, explained clearly
Stage 1 is an early, highly treatable form of breast cancer. Here’s what the diagnosis actually means, why certain tests are ordered, and the facts worth holding onto before your next appointment.
What Stage 1A and 1B actually mean
Stage 1 is broken into two sub-stages based on tumor size and whether any cancer cells have reached the nearby lymph nodes.
Contained to the breast
The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes or any other part of the body.
Tiny clusters nearby
The tumor is smaller than 2 centimeters, and a small number of cancer cells (under 2mm) have been found in a nearby lymph node.
What tests to expect, and why
Before treatment planning begins, your care team will typically order a few rounds of testing.
Blood work and imaging
Establishes your overall health, confirms the diagnosis, and helps determine the exact stage.
Tissue biopsy
A sample of the tumor is analyzed to identify your cancer sub-type — the single biggest factor in choosing a treatment path.
Genetic screening
A blood or saliva sample may be checked for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, inherited changes in DNA linked to breast cancer risk.
Have you been biomarker tested?
ER, PR, and HER2 status is the single biggest factor in matching you to the right treatment — it’s why this test matters as much as your stage.
Know Your Biomarker Status
In addition to the size and cancer stage, your treatment options are guided by your Hormone Receptor status (+ or -) and HER2 status. Status is identified by analyzing cancer cells taken from the tumor in your breast, a procedure called a Biopsy.
HR-positive (HR+)
An HR+ diagnosis means that hormones are fueling the tumor. To understand your specific sub-type, your doctors will look for Estrogen Receptors (ER) and Progesterone Receptors (PR); your tumor can have one, both, or neither.
If you test positive for HR, it means that your treatment should include medications that block hormone production.
HER2-positive (HER2+)
HER2 is a protein that is found in normal cells; it gives cells a signal to grow and produce more cells. A HER2 positive (+++) breast cancer diagnosis means that the tumor cells have too many HER2 proteins, causing uncontrolled tumor cell division, tumor growth, and spreading. Some patients with HR+ can also have HER2 positive (+++).
If you test HER2+, it means that your treatment should include medications that block the HER2 protein to stop tumor cell growth.
TNBC — Triple Negative Breast Cancer
TNBC, or Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, is a breast cancer type that lacks the three receptors (proteins) commonly found in other breast cancer types: 1. estrogen receptors, 2. progesterone receptors, and 3. HER2 protein receptors.
Given TNBC’s uniqueness, treating TNBC requires a different treatment approach than those used to treat other types of breast cancer. TNBC tends to be more aggressive than other breast cancers.
Recommended breast cancer videos
Short, doctor-reviewed videos to walk through your diagnosis and what comes next.
Stage 1 Breast Cancer
A helpful introduction from Dr. Jennifer Griggs
How Cancer Spreads
Metastatic = Advanced
Diagnosing Your Cancer
How does a CT scan work?
Diagnosing Your Cancer
How does a PET scan work?
Exercise! You Can Do It
Reducing side effects & more
The most common questions, answered
Tap a question to expand it.
- A new lump or area of thickened tissue
- Breast pain
- Red, discolored, or dimpled skin
- Swelling in part or all of the breast
- Nipple discharge, including blood
- A newly inverted nipple
- Keep up with recommended mammogram screening
- Maintain a healthy weight, stay active, eat a balanced diet
- Limit alcohol to one drink a day or less
- Avoid tobacco
- Talk with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy risks
- Consider genetic counseling if you’re at higher risk
Patients today play an active role in choosing their own treatment — and being part of that decision leads to better outcomes.
— Paraphrased from Shannon Coon, LMSW, CancerCareThree-question recap
A quick way to make sure the key facts stuck.
Overview
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