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NCCN QUICK GUIDE
Breast Cancer – Locally Advanced (STAGE III)
This NCCNQUICK GUIDE
sheet summarizes key points from the complete NCCN Guidelines for Patients ® : Breast Cancer – Locally Advanced (STAGE III) . T
hese guidelines explain which
tests and treatments are recommended by experts in cancer. To view and download the
guidelines, visitNCC N.or g/patients
or, to order printed copies, visitAmazon.com.
What is locally advanced breast cancer?
It is a cancer of cells that line the breast parts that make or carry breast milk.10
The cancer has spread into the breast’s fatty tissue but not to distant sites.12
There are three groups of locally advanced breast cancer. Stage IIIA cancers do
not involve the breast skin or chest wall but have spread into nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IIIB cancers do involve the breast skin, chest wall, or both. Stage IIIC
cancers have spread to a great extent within nearby lymph nodes.12
What health care is needed before treatment?
A report of your health history and an exam of your body17
Pictures of the insides of your breasts by mammogram and maybe ultrasound, MRI18
Pictures of your bones and the insides of your torso if there may be cancer19
Removal of tissue samples to test for cancer20
Tests for two markers—hormone and HER2 receptors—within breast cancer cells22
Blood tests to check for health problems if needed23
Advice on genetic tests if your breast cancer risk may have been passed down
from your parents24
Advice on fertility methods if you may want to have babies after treatment24
Some questions about distress to see if you need help25
NCCN QUICK GUIDE
STAGE I I I