Understanding the differences between the various stages of breast cancer including when the cancer has metastasized is essential for making informed decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and management.

The Food and Drug Administration expanded the approval of Kisqali, a drug for metastatic breast cancer, to also treat patients with earlier stages of the disease, drugmaker Novartis said Tuesday.

The FDA approval of Kisqali for this early breast cancer population, including those with NO [hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes] disease, is a pivotal moment in improving our approach to care,” said Dr.

Women with early stage breast cancer may now take Kisqali, a medication already approved for advanced disease.

The potential market for the Novartis drug Kisqali could grow markedly, now that certain early-stage breast cancer patients will be able to receive it.

The Food and Drug Administration expanded the approval of Kisqali, a drug for metastatic breast cancer, to also treat patients with earlier stages of the disease. NBC News' Kathy Park speaks to a woman who took the drug while it was in clinical trials and is now cancer free.