This is a HealthLine Online content page created by Healthwise. HealthLine Online helps you make better decisions about your health.

Top of the page

Stage and grade of cancer

The stage and grade of a cancer are ways to measure the cancer. When cancer is diagnosed, the stage and grade of a person's cancer helps doctors know what treatment to use. They also help predict how long the person will survive or whether there is a good chance for a cure.

The stage describes how much cancer is in the body and where it is located. If the cancer has spread, the stage will also show how far it has spread.

The grade describes how tumour cells look under a microscope compared to cells from healthy tissue near the tumour. The tumour grade helps predict how quickly the cancer will grow and spread.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Contact Information

Contact the SHA

Contact us with General Inquiries or Feedback About Your Care, the SHA is here to help.

Help Information

Emergency

If you believe you have an emergency, dial 911.

Questions?

If you have questions about your health, dial 811 on your phone or visit HealthLine Online.