Understanding the tumor stage is crucial for several reasons:
1. Treatment Planning: Different stages of cancer require different treatment approaches. Early-stage cancers might be treated with surgery alone, while more advanced stages may require chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies. 2. Prognosis: The stage of cancer at diagnosis is one of the most important factors in determining the patient's likely outcome and survival rates. 3. Clinical Trials: Staging allows for the appropriate selection of patients for clinical trials, ensuring that the treatments being tested are appropriate for the stage of the cancer being studied.
