What Stage 0 breast cancer means after actress Wanda Sykes reveals diagnosis

Wanda Sykes featured in an ad for this year's Super Bowl raising awareness for breast cancer.

Following a breast routine surgery back in 2011, the 60-year-old received her obscure diagnosis - 'Stage 0 breast cancer'.

Partnering up with the pharmaceutical corporation Novartis for the 2025 Super Bowl campaign - alongside the likes of fellow star Hailee Steinfield - Sykes told viewers of her health battle during the NFL game's ad break.

"Let’s start paying attention to breasts when it matters the most," Sykes encouraged sports viewers.

"Early detection for breast cancer is a game changer and why I’m able to be here today."

Sykes' first opened up about her diagnosis during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14 years ago, explaining that she'd been told she has a form of cancer known sometimes as 'Stage 0', a non-invasive strain of cancer.

Whilst Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the devastating disease are discussed frequently in healthcare - and increase in severity the higher the number - 'Stage 0' is a largely unknown concept.

So, what does Sykes' diagnosis actually mean, and where does it fall on the fatality scale?

It turns out that 'Stage 0' cancer is used to describe ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), whereby immature cancer cells develop the ability to invade or grow outside of breast milk ducts.

Dr Swapna Ghanta recently told Parade that, whilst the phrasing can imply there's no cancer in the body, early detection and treatment are key.

Sykes revealed her diagnosis to Ellen DeGeneres in 2011 (NBC)

"We recommend that patients start mammogram screening at 40," the medic explained.

"Or 10 years prior to their youngest diagnosed relative."

Dr Lydia Choi also informed the outlet that it can help to consider 'Stage 0' cancer to be a pre-cancerous state, being that the cancer has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, which was see it develop to 'Stage 1'.

After being dealt the blow to her health, Sykes underwent a double mastectomy as a preventive measure.

"To me, it was, 'They're just boobs,'" the comedian previously told PEOPLE Magazine of her decision.

"Do you want your boobs or your life? I went with life."

According to Dr. Tingting Tan, Stage 0 cancer is more treatable than any other strain of the disease, and often sees no need for chemotherapy.

Early detection of Stage 0 cancer is key (Tom Werner/Getty)

Instead, in the vast majority of cases, a lumpectomy is performed, with the abnormal tissue being removed.

Radiation usually follows - though a huge proportion of women choose to instead undergo a mastectomy to reduce the risk of cancer even further.