Patients diagnosed with stage II breast cancer have a primary cancer that either involves axillary lymph nodes and is less than 5cm (2 inches) in size, or is greater than 2 centimeters (3/4 inch) in size and does not involve any axillary lymph nodes. Stage II breast cancers are curable with current multi-modality treatment consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy.

Effective treatment of stage II breast cancer requires both local and systemic therapy. Local therapy consists of surgery and/or radiation and is directed at destroying any cancer cells in or near the breast. Systemic therapy is directed at destroying cancer cells throughout the body, and may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormonal therapy. Systemic therapy is often administered as adjuvant therapy, which means treatment after surgery.

The following is a general overview of treatment for stage II breast cancer. Multi-modality treatment, which utilizes two or more treatment techniques, is increasingly recognized as an important approach for improving a patient's chance of cure or prolonging survival. In some cases, participation in a clinical trial utilizing new, innovative therapies may provide the most promising treatment. Circumstances unique to each patient's situation may influence how these general treatment principles are applied. The potential benefits of multi-modality care, participation in a clinical trial, or standard treatment must be carefully balanced with the potential risks. The information on this website is intended to help educate patients about their treatment options and to facilitate a mutual or shared decision-making process with their cancer physician.

Local Therapy: Surgery and Radiation

Systemic Therapy

• Chemotherapy
• Hormonal Therapy
• Targeted Therapy