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Cancer staging and grading Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.

Answers to questions about cancer staging and grading

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

I have gleason score 6 prostate cancer and the doctor said it was at an early stage. This is a much higher number than the grading system in the factsheet. Does this mean it's more serious?

Prostate cancer is graded using a different system called the Gleason scoring system.

Explanation

Gleason scoring system uses numbers 1 to 10 to describe your cancer. Most prostate cancers are graded between 6 and 10. So grade 6 (or below) is a low grade cancer which is less likely to spread. Grade 7 is a moderate grade cancer and grades 8 to 10 are high grade cancers which are more likely to spread. The score relates to how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope.

If you're concerned or unsure what stage your cancer is or how you will be treated, ask your doctor for advice.

Further information

Sources

  • Grading and staging of prostate cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 7 December 2007
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Can I have a high stage with a low grade (or vice versa)?

Yes, this can happen.

Explanation

The stage of a cancer describes how far it has spread in the body. So a high stage cancer may mean the cancer is in more than one place in the body. The grade of the cancer is how abnormal the cells of the cancer look under the microscope and, therefore, how fast it's growing or developing. So a low grade cancer is usually growing slowly but can still be found at an early or late stage. Usually it will be found at an early (low) stage before it has spread. As high grade tumours tend to grow and spread more quickly they are often found at a later (higher) stage, although this is not always the case. Your doctor will be able to guide you through your treatment and how your stage and grade of cancer will affect you.

Further information

Sources

  • What is the difference between stage and grade? Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 26 March 2008
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How will stage/grade affect my chance of recovery?

Generally, the higher the grade or stage of your cancer, the faster it's growing and/or advanced it is.

Explanation

A higher grade or stage generally means your cancer is more aggressive and/or has spread. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that your cancer can't be cured or that it will take longer for you to recover. Different treatments and techniques are used for different types of cancer so you will need to discuss your treatment with your doctor. He/she will be able to tell you what stage and grade your cancer is and how it will be treated. The grade and stage of a cancer at the time of diagnosis are important to the doctor when making decisions on treatment and to give estimates of prognosis. The stage may later increase if the cancer spreads.

Further information

Sources

  • What is the difference between stage and grade? Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 26 March 2008
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My cancer is now called recurrent. What does this mean?

If you have recurrent cancer, this means the cancer has come back after a treatment.

Explanation

Sometimes cancer comes back. You may be given the same treatment as before or another option. Sometimes the treatment for recurrent cancer is more intensive. Ask your doctor to explain the chance of it recurring and what you should do if this happens.

Further information

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: March 2009

 

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