Locally advanced breast cancer is an advanced-stage tumor that has not spread to other body parts. Treatment such as chemotherapy can help reduce symptoms and slow disease progression.
Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are often the first course of treatment for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). The type of treatment and disease severity may affect the outlook for people with LABC.
Keep reading to learn more about LABC symptoms, treatments, and outlook.
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LABC refers to an advanced stage of breast cancer that has only spread to local tissues.
According to a 2021 article, there is no universal definition for LABC. The authors suggest it refers to breast cancer that has not spread to distant parts of the body and that healthcare professionals cannot remove surgically.
A 2024 review suggests that people with LABC have clinical stage 3 breast cancer. Stage 3 cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the chest wall, or the skin of the breast.
According to BreastCancer.org, doctors may refer to breast cancer as locally advanced when the tumor is large and also affects the physical appearance of the breast or nearby lymph nodes.
LABC symptoms may include:
- a large tumor of at least 5 cm
- skin ulcers
- tumors within the chest
- enlarged lymph nodes
- visual changes to the breast skin or muscles
- swelling or skin color changes affecting the breast
- rapid increases in breast size
- inflammation that can cause burning, aching, or tenderness in the breast
- inverted nipples
The only way to definitively diagnose breast cancer is through a biopsy.
There are several other tests that may help with making a diagnosis. Doctors will review the person’s medical history, family history, and any symptoms. They may
- mammogram
- ultrasound
- MRI of the breast
- blood tests
LABC can be challenging to treat and may require aggressive forms of treatment. According to the
Doctors are more frequently using neoadjuvant chemotherapy to treat LABC, which means chemotherapy before surgery.
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Even among people with LABC, various factors can affect a person’s outlook, including the type and severity of their cancer.
A 2021 study looked at 4,577 people undergoing breast cancer treatment in Chennai, India, including 2,137 people with LABC, from 2006 to 2013. The study lists the following 10-year survival rates for people with stage 3, or locally advanced, breast cancer:
- stage 3a — 65.1%
- stage 3b — 41.2%
- stage 3c — 26.7%
A 10-year survival rate refers to the likelihood of a person with breast cancer living for 10 years compared to someone without the diagnosis.
Factors such as a tumor larger than 10 centimeters (cm) or cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes or blood vessels contributed to less favorable outlooks.
The
- 99% for invasive breast cancer that has not spread — this figure does not include ductal carcinoma in situ
- 87% for breast cancer that spreads to local tissues or lymph nodes
- 32% for breast cancer that spreads to distant tissues or organs
- 91% across all stages
In metastatic breast cancer, the cancerous cells have spread to other tissues or organs around the body. Some of the most common sites include the bones, lungs, liver, and brain.
In contrast, LABC is where the tumor has not spread beyond the local breast tissue, including the soft tissue of the chest wall and local lymph nodes.
Metastatic breast cancer can spread to various areas and cause a range of symptoms, such as bone pain, shortness of breath, and severe headaches. LABC symptoms only affect the breast region.
The
The ACS also notes that people with an average risk between the ages of 40 and 44 years should have the option to begin screening with a mammogram every year, should they wish to.
Guidelines from other organizations may vary. For example, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every other year from the age of 40, regardless of risk level.
Anyone who discovers a lump or experiences symptoms similar to those of breast cancer should talk with their doctor as soon as possible.
People undergoing treatment can also talk with their doctor about their experience and side effects. A doctor can suggest additional treatments to help with side effects.
Receiving a diagnosis of LABC or another form of breast cancer can be challenging. There is a wide range of resources for people with breast cancer to find emotional or financial support.
For example, CancerCare offers online resources and connections to support groups, social workers, and financial assistants through its website. Some potential services include:
- financial assistance programs
- emotional and practical counseling by calling 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or emailing info@cancercare.org
- case management
- support groups
- community outreach programs
Tips for self-care
The following steps can be helpful for self-care and coping:
- talk about emotions with trusted friends, caregivers, or others
- be specific with others about what type of support is necessary
- talk about needs for physical closeness with a spouse or significant other
- allow others to provide care
- discuss any concerns with their nurse, doctor, or other members of the care team
- learn more about breast cancer
LABC is a large, advanced tumor that develops in the breast without spreading beyond the breast tissue or local lymph nodes. It can be difficult to treat and requires aggressive treatment.
The survival rate for LABC can vary depending on factors, including tumor size and severity.
A person should talk with their doctor about the best treatment options for them, and seek emotional, financial, or other necessary forms of support.