Stage 1 cancer is only in the breast, and has not spread to lymph nodes, and the tumor is 2cm across or less in size.
Stage I Breast Cancer and Surgery
Surgery is the treatment of choice for Stage 1 breast cancer, followed by chemotherapy or radiation in many cases. The surgery may be a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, depending on the site, the size of the tumor and the desired aggressiveness of the patient and her surgeon. In addition to surgery, patients with Stage 1 cancer may also require radiation therapy if a lumpectomy is chosen. In select cases, chemotherapy, endocrine and targeted/biologic therapies may also be recommended.
