If you have been diagnosed with or are concerned about breast cancer, you may wonder how quickly it develops, grows, and spreads.

In other words, when cancer is detected, you may ask when it began, how fast it will double in size if left untreated, and how quickly it might spread to the lymph nodes, bones, or other areas of the body.

These questions are important for many reasons and can vary depending on the type of breast cancer and its molecular characteristics.

Determining how long breast cancer has been in the body before diagnosis is more challenging, but it is likely that many tumors began at least five years before detection.

Let’s look at the factors that can influence cancer growth rate, how long it takes for a tumor to develop, and why these answers matter for people living with this disease today.

How fast does breast cancer develop?

People often wonder about the growth rate or doubling time when deciding how long to wait before starting treatment. Understanding this growth is also crucial if you have a lump and are advised to monitor it over time. (If your doctor is unsure whether the breast lump is benign, it should be evaluated immediately rather than waiting.)

In general, breast cancer growth can be highly variable, but several studies provide at least an estimate of what may occur.

Medical opinion

Breast cancer can start unnoticed and grow slowly, making early stages difficult to detect without specialized screenings. However, it has the potential to grow rapidly and spread to surrounding tissues.

It is important to understand that cancer growth rates vary between patients and depend on multiple factors, including tumor type, size, aggressiveness, and metastatic potential.

Regular check-ups, screenings, and seeking medical attention at the first sign of suspicious symptoms are crucial for timely breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Types of breast cancer

The rate of tumor progression in the breast from stage to stage is influenced by the histological (cellular) type of cancer:

• Erysipeloid (erysipelas-like) cancer.

It begins with swelling of the breast skin and an increase in body temperature. A red lesion with well-defined wavy edges appears on the skin, resembling erysipelas inflammation. No lumps are detected in the breast tissue. It is often mistaken for breast erysipelas, leading to a delayed diagnosis. This type is characterized by rapid metastasis to the lymph nodes and other organs.

• Paget’s disease (nipple cancer).

Named after the doctor who first described it, this malignant process originates in the milk ducts and later affects the nipple and areola. Initially, it causes peeling of the skin, which often goes unnoticed. Over time, swelling, ulcers, and thickening around the nipple develop. This type of cancer is non-invasive and does not affect the glandular tissue of the breast. Lymph nodes are affected significantly later. This type most commonly occurs in women aged 50-60 but can also be diagnosed in men. It responds well to treatment.

• Infiltrative-edematous cancer.

This form appears during breastfeeding or pregnancy. The affected breast swells and increases in size, and the skin becomes reddened (hyperemic). The process spreads rapidly to the lymph nodes. On palpation, a lump is felt in the gland, which quickly grows in size. This type of tumor is dangerous and is often mistaken for postpartum mastitis. Treatment is challenging, as the tumor is resistant to standard conservative therapy.

• Inflammatory cancer.

Symptoms include swelling, pain, and a feeling of heaviness in the breast. The skin turns red and sometimes takes on a bluish hue. A retracted nipple symptom develops. This form is often mistaken for mastitis (breast inflammation), complicating early diagnosis. Due to the swelling of the glandular tissue, focal thickening is difficult to detect. The tumor progresses rapidly and metastasizes to the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues. Diagnosis is often made at stage 3-4, making this type particularly dangerous.

• Armored (sclerosing) cancer.

Initially, this type is characterized by multiple lumps in the breast tissue that are painless on palpation. Later, specific symptoms appear: the breast decreases in size, and the chest loses mobility as the process quickly spreads to adjacent bones and tissues, forming a single conglomerate. The skin becomes dense, immobile, and resembles a shell or armor, making breathing difficult. Within a short period, the second breast is also affected. If diagnosed early, the prognosis is favorable.

What are the causes?

According to statistics, the condition most often affects women who have experienced the following issues:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Inability to conceive a child
• Onset of menstruation before the age of 12
• Inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs
• Excess body weight
• Presence of a tumor in the brain, lungs, or larynx

Some negative factors accelerate the progression of the disease:

• Being in an area with high radiation exposure
• Smoking
• Excessive consumption of food containing chemical dyes and preservatives
• Consumption of fatty and high-calorie foods

Dysfunction of the thyroid gland, ovaries, and adrenal glands also increases the likelihood of developing a malignant tumor.

The factors that provoke the disease influence the likelihood of its occurrence and the speed of its spread but are not the root causes of the pathology.

• Most women have multiple risk factors for developing a tumor, yet they may never actually experience the disease.
• Meanwhile, malignant tumors are sometimes diagnosed in patients without any apparent predisposition to cancerous conditions.

Despite this, it is essential for everyone to be aware of these predisposing factors.

Risk Factors

• Age. The older the patient, the higher the risk of developing the pathology: 65% of all cases are diagnosed in women over 55.
• Heredity. In 10% of cases, malignant tumors develop due to genetic mutations. The most well-known types of mutations are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Their presence indicates a 50% risk of developing breast cancer. Genetic changes are linked to an unfavorable family history—if close maternal relatives have been diagnosed with cancer, the patient’s risk doubles.
• Benign breast conditions.
• Hormonal imbalance. The higher the estrogen levels in a woman’s blood, the greater the risk of cancer. Moreover, hormones can accelerate the reproduction of already existing abnormal cells.

Hormonal changes

Breast cancer is glandular by cellular structure, meaning it develops from glandular breast tissue, which is particularly sensitive to hormones.

Certain conditions or processes in a woman’s body are accompanied by an excess of estrogens and gestagens. These hormones accumulate in breast tissue, contributing to the development and rapid growth of tumors.

• Early menstruation onset. The average age of menarche (first menstruation) is 12-14 years. If it occurs earlier due to high estrogen levels, the risk of breast cancer increases.
• Abortions. Pregnancy triggers a sharp hormonal shift with increased progesterone levels. Termination of pregnancy causes excess hormones to accumulate in breast tissue.
• Early cessation of breastfeeding. Lactation leads to the growth of glandular tissue and another hormonal shift. Artificial suppression of lactation prevents the natural regression of breast tissue, leaving excess hormones in the breast.
• Late childbirth. The optimal age for childbirth is considered 25-35 years. After 38-40 years, the body prepares for aging, altering its hormonal balance. Pregnancy at this stage creates an unexpected hormonal stress that the body is no longer prepared for.
• Lack of childbirth. During pregnancy, the hormonal background remains relatively stable, unlike the fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. This hormonal stability benefits breast tissue.
• Early menopause. Menopause before the age of 45-55 is considered early. The glandular breast tissue does not have enough time to regress, and the hormonal surge accompanying menopause affects the still-sensitive breast tissue.

The biology of breast cancer cell growth

Cancer begins when a normal breast cell undergoes multiple gene mutations that control cell growth.

These mutations can develop over an extended period, even decades, before a cancerous cell forms. On average, a cancer cell must divide 30 times before forming a mass large enough to be felt in the breast.

Since tumor cells multiply and divide exponentially—one cell becomes two, two become four, and so on—the tumor increases in size faster as it grows.

Compared to many other cancers, breast cancer has a “low growth fraction,” meaning that only a small percentage of cancer cells are actively dividing.

Some cancers, such as certain leukemias and lymphomas, have much higher growth fractions and can become noticeable in a much shorter period, even in children.

How the disease progresses

Cancer cells can develop in any part of the breast, with equal likelihood in the left and right mammary glands. In some cases, both breasts are affected (2.5% of all cases). In its early stages, the pathological tumor may appear as a single lump (stage 1) or as a node with metastases, which corresponds to stage 2.

In 50% of cases, tumors appear in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, and in rare cases, in the areas adjacent to the armpits. However, patients often experience noticeable symptoms only in the later stages of the disease.

The most common clinical picture includes dense, painless lumps in the breast.

A tumor becomes immobile when the inflammatory process reaches the chest wall. If the tumor affects only the upper layers of the skin, it will deform. In this case, irregularities appear on the skin’s surface, and the nipple either elongates or retracts.

Factors affecting progression

Beyond tumor characteristics, the progression of cancer is also influenced by the overall health of the woman. This explains why, despite having the same tumor type and stage at diagnosis, some patients recover and live for many years, while others succumb within months or a few years.

• Age. The older the patient, the slower the metabolic processes and, consequently, the slower the tumor growth. However, younger women have a much higher chance of full recovery.
• Hormonal balance. The use of hormone therapy (contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, treatment for endometriosis, fibroids, or endometrial hyperplasia) significantly accelerates disease progression. Thyroid function also plays a role, as it regulates the body’s metabolic rate.
• Comorbid conditions. The more health issues a person has, the less strength their body has to fight cancer. The general health condition also affects how well a patient tolerates treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Some women die from treatment complications rather than the disease itself.
• Immune system status. This is the body’s primary internal defense against cancer. A weakened immune system leaves a woman unprotected from malignant disease.
• Mental state. A link has been established between deep emotional distress, stress, prolonged depression, the loss of loved ones, and the onset of breast cancer. A cancer diagnosis often causes emotional suppression, accelerating disease progression. Support from loved ones and psychological intervention are crucial.
• Injuries and bruises. Trauma can cause inflammatory thickening, which, under unfavorable conditions, can develop into an adenoma or even a malignant tumor.

Symptoms of advanced stages of breast cancer

• Nipple discharge containing traces of blood
• Pain if the pathology has spread to the lymph nodes

In stage 3–4 breast cancer, pain may be sharp, piercing, or persistent.

How long can it develop before detection?

Breast cancer is often present for several years before being detected, and its doubling time can vary depending on the tumor’s characteristics.

While women are sometimes told they can wait before starting treatment (and a short wait can be important for getting a second opinion and preparing), a longer delay may not be advisable, especially for triple-negative tumors or those with aggressive growth patterns.

Some tumors tend to spread much earlier than others, which is crucial to consider when choosing treatment options. For small tumors that have not spread to the lymph nodes, chemotherapy may not be necessary, but for certain types of cancer, even very small tumors may require aggressive treatment.

If you notice a breast lump, seek immediate medical attention.

Life expectancy and metastasis in breast cancer

The life expectancy of a breast cancer patient depends on two factors related to the metastasis process.

Target organs

Breast cancer metastases typically affect the following organs:

• Axillary lymph nodes
• Lungs
• Liver
• Bones of the spine and chest
• Brain

Speed of metastasis

Malignant breast tumors are conditionally divided into two groups:

1. Tumors with rapid metastasis – Other organs are affected within 1–3 years.
2. Tumors with slow metastasis – Secondary cancer sites are detected after 5 years.

A woman’s life expectancy with breast cancer is influenced by the characteristics of the tumor itself.

Scientists have long studied patterns in the tumor development process among different groups of women and made hypotheses. These were tested in laboratories, and some were confirmed.

Based on the obtained data, new approaches have been developed for diagnosing and treating this type of cancer.

Stages of breast cancer

The stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis is crucial. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the prognosis for recovery and survival.

Breast cancer progresses through five stages:

0 – Initial (Zero) Stage

• The tumor is just beginning to form in the breast.
• Women do not experience symptoms at this stage.
• Cancer is detected accidentally during a routine check-up or annual screening.
• Chance of recovery: 98%.

1st Stage

• The tumor measures up to 2 cm.
• Women may detect the tumor during self-examination.
• Chance of full recovery: 96%.

2nd Stage

• The tumor grows to 2–5 cm.
• Axillary lymph nodes enlarge due to metastases.
• Chance of recovery: 90%.
• This stage is still detectable through self-examination, so any suspicious changes should prompt an immediate visit to the doctor.

3rd Stage

• This stage is not defined by the tumor size but by metastatic spread to distant lymph nodes.
• Other lymph nodes, besides the axillary ones, are also affected.
• Neighboring organs (liver, lungs, bones, brain) are not yet involved.
• This stage is subdivided into two categories: 3A and 3B.
• Survival rate: 70%.

4th Stage

• At this stage, other organs are already involved in the cancer process.
• Life expectancy depends on the degree of damage to target organs.
• Chance of recovery: 10%, but treatment can still extend life and improve quality of life.

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but early detection and proper treatment significantly improve the chances of survival.

When can it be detected for the first time?

Detecting breast cancer early significantly increases the likelihood of successful recovery. This is the foundation of mammography and self-examinations.

The size at which a breast lump can be palpated (felt) varies, but lumps are generally larger when detected by individuals rather than by a doctor.

During a medical examination:

• Breast tumors measuring 0.5 to 1.0 cm (half an inch or smaller) can sometimes be felt by an experienced doctor.
• Tumors between 1.0 and 1.5 cm are detected in about 60% of cases.
• Tumors measuring 2.0 cm or more are detected in 96% of cases.

When women perform self-examinations:

• The average tumor size at detection is 1 cm for women who regularly perform self-exams.
• For women who do not perform self-exams, the average tumor size at detection is 2.62 cm.

Although there is some debate about whether women should perform self-exams, it is clear that regular breast examinations can help detect tumors when they are still small.

Self-examination of the breast

Every month, a woman should examine her breasts in front of a mirror, palpating and visually inspecting them. This process takes only a few minutes.

Key signs to watch for:

• Asymmetry between the breasts
• Inverted nipple
• Redness or swelling of the skin
• Changes in breast size and shape
• Ulcers or skin lesions

Palpation may reveal lumps in the breast tissue, enlarged lymph nodes, or nipple discharge.

Self-examination guide

A self-exam can be performed using the following steps:

1. Stand in front of a mirror with your chest exposed. Compare both breasts—check for any differences and assess how significant they are.
2. Palpate the breasts. Use both hands to feel one breast, then the other, starting from the top.

Visual changes to look for include:

• Change in breast size
• Change in nipple or skin color
• Asymmetry
• Blurred breast contour

Additionally, check for changes in the armpit area. Signs that require medical attention include:

• Painful sensations
• Skin retraction
• The presence of lumps or swelling

From the age of 25, women are advised to undergo regular ultrasound exams. During each gynecological visit, the doctor should examine the patient’s breasts. However, many doctors neglect this step, so it is crucial to remind them or schedule an appointment with a mammologist separately.

Breast cancer survival prognosis

Approximately one-third of breast cancer cases result in death. How long can a woman live with breast cancer? This depends on how fast the disease progresses. If abnormal cells spread rapidly, death can occur within a year.

50% of patients are diagnosed at stage 2 or 3. With timely treatment, most patients live for more than five years. The prognosis depends on individual factors, external influences, and the stage at diagnosis:

• Stage 1 – 5-year survival rate of 75–95%
• Stage 2 – 5-year survival rate of 50–80%
• Stage 3 – 5-year survival rate of up to 40%
• Stage 4 – 5-year survival rate of 5–10%

Several years after successful treatment, the disease may return. Cancer cells can reappear in the same location or distant tissues. Recurrence occurs because even the most advanced treatments cannot completely eliminate all abnormal cells. These cells travel through the bloodstream, settle in nearby tissues, and gradually develop.

Common sites of recurrence include the bones, liver, abdominal cavity, and lungs. A second onset of the disease is more likely if:

• The initial cancer was diagnosed in later stages
• An aggressive cancer type was identified
• The tumor measured over 5 cm across in diameter.
• The lymphatic system was affected
• The patient’s hormonal status was disrupted

Recurrence can occur at any time, but statistically, it is most common within 3–5 years after the first course of therapy.

What can affect life expectancy?

Hormonal sensitivity of the tumor

This feature is determined after a biopsy of a suspicious area.

If receptors (cells sensitive to certain substances) are found in the sample that respond to female sex hormones (estrogens and progestogens), the tumor is classified as hormone-dependent.

• This type of cancer progresses rapidly in young women but slowly in older women.
• It responds well to treatment that suppresses female hormones, as the tumor loses its growth factors.

Her2neu markers

Some forms of breast cancer develop with the release of specific proteins—Her2neu markers—into the blood.

• The level of these markers in plasma indicates the malignancy and aggressiveness of the tumor.
• If the test result is positive, the risk of early metastasis and rapid tumor growth increases significantly.
• The presence of Her2neu also determines the chemotherapy approach, as these tumors do not respond to standard treatment protocols.

Prevention

A few years ago, breast cancer primarily affected women over 50. However, the disease is now increasingly diagnosed in younger women, some as young as 30, and even in rare cases among those just over 20.

In practice, breast cancer in young women is much harder to treat. However, statistics show that the disease still peaks in women over 40. The highest mortality rate is among women over 70, as aging weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight serious illnesses.

Important! The key measure for prevention is timely screening. Every woman over 30 should undergo a mammogram at least once a year. There is no need to fear this procedure—it is a low-frequency X-ray test that does not pose a danger to the body.