Breast cancer staging information and upcoming awareness walk in New Jersey

Breast cancer staging is a clinical process used to determine if the disease has spread and to what extent. According to the American Cancer Society and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, stages range from 0 to IV.

Stage 0 is the earliest stage, where abnormal cells are present but have not spread to nearby tissue, carrying a five-year survival rate of approximately 99%. Stage I is also considered early stage, involving tumor cells that have spread to surrounding breast tissue but remain in a small area. Stage IA involves tumors roughly the size of a grape without lymph node involvement, while Stage IB may involve small clusters of cancer cells in the lymph nodes.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the 2nd Annual Evolve Pink Strides of Strength Walk will take place on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Hunterdon County Fairgrounds in Lambertville, New Jersey. The event aims to raise funds for programs providing resources and encouragement to survivors and those currently undergoing treatment.