Stage 0: Very early breast cancer. It has not spread.

Survival rate: 98 per cent

Stage 1: The cancer is no larger than about one inch in size and has not spread outside the breast.

Survival: 90 to 95 per cent

Stage 2: Early breast cancer. The cancer may be no larger than one inch, but has spread to lymph nodes under the arm; or is larger than two inches, but has not spread.

Survival rate: 60 to 75 per cent

Stage 3: Locally advanced. The cancer can be smaller or larger than two inches and has spread to lymph nodes under the arm, other lymph nodes and even tissues near the breast.

Survival rate: 40 to 50 per cent

Stage 4: Metastatic. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lungs.

Survival rate: 10 to 20 per cent

Read also: Don't wait, get that lump checked

Sources: Singapore Cancer Society and the University of California Medical Center

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