Cancer progresses through several stages, typically characterized by the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Early-stage cancers (stages I and II) are generally confined to one area and are more treatable. As cancer advances to stages III and IV, it often spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, making treatment more complex and less likely to result in a cure. Understanding the stages of cancer helps in planning appropriate treatment strategies.
