How fast does breast cancer spread?
The spread of breast cancer (metastases) to other parts of the body such as bones and lymph nodes is the major cause of over 90 percent of deaths associated with breast cancer.
Breast cancer mostly spreads first to the lymph nodes beneath the arm [4] (lymph node-positive breast cancer). At this stage, the cancer is still considered to be at an early stage and can be cured.
When breast cancer spreads to regions such as bones, lungs, brain, and liver, it has gotten to stage 4 or metastatic breast cancer and cannot be cured.
Some types of breast cancer [5] spread more than others. Ductal carcinoma [6] has a higher chance of spreading than lobular carcinoma, within tumors that are in the same size range. The rate at which breast cancer spreads depends greatly on the type.
Conclusion
The question of how breast cancer starts, grows and spreads is very important in successfully curing it. When it is detected early, the chances of getting cured increase.
References
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/mammograms.htm
[2] https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/breast-calcification-symptoms-causes-treatments#:~:text=Microcalcifications%20are%20small%20calcium%20deposits,cells%20or%20early%20breast%20cancer.
[3] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/breast-cancer-and-oestrogen#:~:text=Around%2070%20per%20cent%20of,flushes%2C%20joint%20stiffness%20and%20osteoporosis.
[4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/swollen-lymph-nodes-in-armpit
[5] https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/what-is-breast-cancer/types-of-breast-cancer/
[6] https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/ductal-carcinoma-invasive-in-situ#:~:text=Ductal%20carcinoma%20is%20a%20common,DCIS)%2C%20also%20called%20intraductal%20carcinoma