Breast cancer is an incredibly difficult and emotionally taxing diagnosis for any woman to experience. Although the stages of breast cancer can be emotionally overwhelming, there are many positive benefits to each stage that have the potential to help individuals cope with diagnosis to a lesser or greater degree.

Stage 0 breast cancer, also known as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is diagnosed when the abnormal cells are contained within the milk ducts. Receiving this diagnosis may provide assurance that the cancer cells have not spread throughout the body, due to the sideline nature of breast cancer at this stage.

Moving up to Stage I, II, and III, the diagnosis of breast cancer may still be cause for hope in certain cases. For instance, if the cancer is successfully removed with surgery or localized to specific areas of the breast, a patient may still remain in remission 10 years after diagnosis.

Stage IV, the last and most advanced stage, is not the end. Research has shown that even with this stage of cancer, individuals can still live a full life for many years. Individuals in this stage may even go into remission with the right treatment and care.

With each stage, breast cancer comes with different potential treatments. For example, stage 0 breast cancer may have the option of lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery. For stage I to III, treatments may include chemotherapy, oral medications, immunotherapy or personalized medicine. Stage IV may involve radiation therapy and bone-strengthening drugs.

Breast cancer comes with a stigma as it is seen as a life-threatening diagnosis. But stages 0 to IV actually each have their own goals and objectives of treatment. From keeping cancer from becoming more aggressive to enabling long-term remission for indivduals, it is important to recognize that the stages of breast cancer can be beneficial in terms of receiving care and support.

It is also important to recognize the harm that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis, such as the emotional distress and the physical changes associated with treatment. However, it is important to be aware of all the benefits that may come out of these stages as well. By recognizing the positive elements of each stage of breast cancer, individuals can take charge of their health and feel more supported and empowered in the process.