Stage 3 breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes but not to distant organs.
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the immune system. They help filter out bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances from the body.
When breast cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it means that the cancer cells have traveled from the breast to other parts of the body.
This is a sign that the cancer is more advanced and may be more difficult to treat.
The stage 3 have divided into more specific categories (3A, 3B, and 3C) and the cancer subtype, meaning which type of breast cancer you have.
The breast cancer type describes how a cancer grows and what treatments are likely to be most effective.
Doctors consider stage 3 breast cancer a locally advanced but curable cancer. Your treatment options and outlook will depend on a variety of factors.
Prognosis for Stage 3 Breast Cancer
The prognosis for stage 3 breast cancer varies depending on a number of factors, including the size and grade of the tumor, the number of lymph nodes involved, and the presence of certain genetic mutations.
The 5-year survival rate for stage 3 breast cancer is 70-86%. This means that 70-86% of people with stage 3 breast cancer will live for at least 5 years after their diagnosis.
It is important to remember that these are just averages. The prognosis for any individual with stage 3 breast cancer will vary depending on their specific circumstances.
Treatment Options for Stage 3 Breast Cancer
There are a number of treatment options available for stage 3 breast cancer.
The best treatment option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
Treatment options for stage 3 breast cancer may include:
- Surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue is often the first line of treatment for stage 3 breast cancer.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or on its own.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of drug treatment that kills cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery, or on its own.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is a type of treatment that slows or stops the growth of cancer cells that are fueled by hormones. Hormone therapy may be used after surgery or chemotherapy.
Life expectancy for stage 3 breast cancer
The life expectancy for people with breast cancer is improving, according to the American Cancer SocietyTrusted Source.
It points out that current survival rates are based on people diagnosed and treated at least 5 years ago — and treatments that have advanced over that time.
Your life expectancy with stage 3 breast cancer, or with regional breast cancer, depends on several factors, such as:
- age
- overall health
- response to treatment
- size of tumors
You should talk with your doctor about how these factors may affect you.
Living with Stage 3 Breast Cancer
A diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer can be overwhelming. It is important to remember that you are not alone.
There are many resources available to help you cope with your diagnosis and treatment.
We plan to have a great resource for information and support, through our platforms, a hotline, and support groups for people with breast cancer.
You can also talk to your doctor or nurse about other resources that may be helpful to you.
Hope for the Future
There have been significant advances in the treatment of breast cancer in recent years. As a result, the prognosis for people with stage 3 breast cancer is now better than ever.
There are also a number of promising new treatments that are being studied in clinical trials.
These treatments have the potential to improve the survival rates for people with stage 3 breast cancer even further.
If you have been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, it is important to remember that there is hope. With treatment, many people with stage 3 breast cancer can live long and fulfilling lives.
Frequent Asked Questions
Is stage 3 cancer a terminal?
Whether or not stage 3 breast cancer is terminal depends on its subtype and whether the tumor is operable or inoperable.
Typically, at this stage, there are more treatment options available than there would be if your cancer has spread further to other structures.
