24/07/2023
Cancer staging systems are used throughout the world to describe the size of a cancer or how far it has spread. It is a simple way to classify cancers in greater detail.
You may notice different methods of staging are used in clinic letters or discussed in appointments. We’ll be looking in the numbered system in more detail.
Cancer can be staged by number which is less descriptive than the TNM (Tumour, Nodes and Metastases) format. Swipe across to see diagrams of what each stage can look like ->
Stage 0:
Abnormal cells are present but have not spread to nearby tissue. There is a possibility that these cells may develop into cancer in the future. You may also see this referred to as carcinoma in situ (CIS), precancerous changes or non-invasive cancer.
Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III:
These confirm cancer is present. The higher the number, the larger the tumour is and the more it has spread into nearby tissues.
Stage IV:
The cancer has spread to other parts of the body.