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What Do the Different Stages of Cancer Mean?
March 10, 2025
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, one of the first things you’ll hear is the stage of your cancer. And it’s more than just a number — cancer stages can help you understand how advanced it is, what treatment options make sense, and what to expect.
To break it down, we turned to Peter Yu, MD, physician-in-chief at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute. He explains what you need to know — and how to take control of your care plan.
How do cancer stages work?
Every type of cancer is different, and so are the systems for staging them, says Dr. Yu.
To determine the stage, your doctor may recommend:
- A physical exam.
- Imaging scans.
- A biopsy.
- Lymph node evaluation.
- Blood tests.
“Cancer staging happens at diagnosis. In some circumstances cancers may be re-staged, although this is not common,” Dr. Yu explains.
> Related: 6 Types of Tests Your Doctor Might Use to Diagnose Cancer
Understanding the 5 stages of cancer.
Cancer staging helps doctors understand how far the disease progressed — and whether it’s contained or spread to other parts of the body
“The stage of cancer is one of the most important factors in deciding on treatment,” says Dr. Yu. “It helps us understand how aggressive the cancer is and what approach will work best.”
Here’s what each stage means:
> Related: 8 Ways to Prevent Cancer
Stage 0
This is the earliest stage. Abnormal cells are present but haven’t spread. Sometimes called carcinoma in situ, it’s often highly treatable.
Stage I
The cancer is small and contained, meaning it hasn’t spread beyond its original location. Treatment at this stage is usually straightforward and highly effective.
Stage II
The cancer may be larger or started spreading to nearby lymph nodes but hasn’t reached other parts of the body. Treatment may include surgery, radiation or medications like chemotherapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy.
Stage III
At this stage, the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes, making treatment more complex. It may require a combination of surgery, medical therapies or radiation.
Stage IV
Also called metastatic cancer, this means the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. Treatment focuses on controlling the disease and managing symptoms.
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Taking charge of your cancer journey.
Your cancer diagnosis isn’t just about stages — it’s a conversation with you and your doctor. By taking an active role in your care, you can feel more empowered and in control.
Dr. Yu shares ways to stay engaged in your treatment:
- Ask questions: Make sure you understand your stage, treatment options and possible side effects. If something isn’t clear, speak up.
- Take your time: Lean on your support system, and don’t rush decisions.
- Stay informed: Your treatment plan is personalized and may change over time. Stay involved and keep asking questions.
- Prioritize wellness: Taking care of your body and mind with good nutrition, movement and emotional support can help you stay stronger through treatment.
- Know your prognosis: Stay realistic but hopeful. New treatments are constantly emerging, and options may evolve.
- Use available resources: Look into advocacy groups, financial assistance and trusted cancer information.
“Your cancer team is here to support you every step of the way,” says Dr. Yu. “When you stay engaged, you feel heard, understood and more confident in your care.”