Diagnosing breast cancer begins with a physical exam and imaging tests, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs. A biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer subtype.
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Breast cancer is typically assigned a stage from zero to IV, based on the size of the cancer, whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and other factors.
- Early stage: includes any stage that is lower than IV (stage zero to III)
- Stage zero: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This means the cancer cells are just in the milk ducts and have not spread beyond those milk ducts
- Stages I to III: Cancer cells have spread beyond the milk ducts to the surrounding breast tissue and may have spread to lymph nodes under the arm or in the chest
- Stage IV: also called metastatic breast cancer. Cancer cells have spread from breast to other distant organs like the lungs, liver, or bone
When looking at cancer cells under the microscope, doctors look at specific proteins of the cells. Based on what proteins are seen, cells are designated as positive or negative for the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or a protein called HER2.
Different subtypes include:
- Hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative
- Hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive
- Hormone receptor-negative and HER2-negative: also called triple-negative
- This means your breast cancer is negative for all three proteins: estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2. This type of cancer tends to be more aggressive and harder to treat.
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Testing helps identify hormone receptor status, genetic mutations, and other factors that influence treatment decisions.
Testing Methods in Breast Cancer
- Mammogram: X-ray imaging to detect early signs of breast cancer.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken to determine cancer type and grade.
- Hormone Receptor Testing: Determines if cancer is estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive.
- HER2 Testing: Identifies HER2-positive breast cancer, which can be treated with targeted therapies.
- Genetic Testing: Checks for inherited mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
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Tools to help you feel activated and connect with resources to overcome barriers to accessing care.
Topics:
- Breast Cancer Treatment and Emerging Therapies
- Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Staging, and Subtypes
- Breast Cancer Health Disparities and Outcomes
- [ACT]IVATED Breast Cancer Resources
Provides tools and actions for shared decision making and tips for navigating metastatic breast cancer treatment decisions.
Topics:
- Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Will help you understand the importance of essential biomarker testing before key decisions are made in your care—including following a recurrence.
Topics:
- Understanding Testing in Metastatic Breast Cancer
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions
- INSIST! Metastatic Breast Cancer Resources
Provides actionable advice and downloadable materials to help you communicate clearly and effectively with your breast cancer healthcare team.
Topics:
- Breast Cancer Basics: What You Need to Know
- Breast Cancer Treatment Approaches
- Planning for Your Breast Cancer Doctor’s Visit
