Stages

• The first and second stages are known as early stage breast cancer and the third and fourth stages are referred to as late stage breast cancer. Late stage breast cancer attacks not only the breasts, but also other parts of the body such as the lungs, brain, bone and liver.
  
  

Treatment

• Stage IV breast cancer is incurable. However, early detection combines with aggressive, quick and comprehensive treatment can help patients live for several years with stage IV breast cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy are commonly used to treat late stage breast cancer.
  
  

Pregnancy

• Pregnant women with breast cancer have a limited life span. Most studies predict that approximately 10 percent of them will be alive in five years (if they are diagnosed with late stage breast cancer).
  
  

Late Stage Survival

• While still considered late-stage breast cancer, stage III is less severe in that it typically has not spread to other organs. This means it is easier to treat. The five-year survival rate for stage III ranges from 55 to 65 percent.
  
  

Cure

• Stage IV cancer is incurable. However, you can live for several years with stage IV cancer if your oncologist administers proper treatment.