Routine staging with, for example, computed tomography (CT) and bone scan are not recommended for most patients with early breast cancer. For a patient presenting with de novo metastatic disease, see Step 6.

Staging is appropriate for patients with confirmed locally advanced or nodal disease and for any patient with clinical symptoms or clinical suspicion of metastatic disease. PET scan may be the most appropriate modality.

Visit the Cancer Institute New South Wales website for information about understanding the stages of cancer.