What does stage 3 breast cancer mean?

Advanced: Breast cancer survival is correlated with it's stage, which is predominantly based on the cancer size, it's growth, and lymph node involvement. Stage 3 means that the cancer has grown into the chest wall or skin and/or multiple lymph nodes (including areas outside the armpit) are involved. These are all signs that chemotherapy is needed for potential cure.

Staging: Stage 3 cancer means the breast cancer has extended to beyond the immediate region of the tumor and may have invaded nearby lymph nodes and muscles, but has not spread to distant organs. Although this stage is considered to be advanced, there are a growing number of effective treatment options. This stage is divided into three groups: stage 3a, stage 3b, and stage 3c.