Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Read our blog, Looking Back Helps Me See the Progress I’ve Made Against Metastatic Breast Cancer.
This section discusses metastatic breast cancer treatment and care.
Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) is not a specific type of breast cancer. It’s the most advanced stage of breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body (most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain).
A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is devastating. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and scared. You’re not alone though. It’s estimated there were more than 168,000 women living with metastatic breast cancer in the U.S. in 2020 (most recent estimate available) [1].
It may be helpful to talk with others who have metastatic breast cancer. We have resources for finding a support group (in-person, online and telephone).
Signs and Symptoms of Metastasis
Metastasis is most often found when people report new and persistent symptoms to their health care provider. Based on the symptoms, tests may be done to check if the breast cancer has returned and spread to other organs (metastasized).
Newly Diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer
If you’re newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, you’re not alone. We have information to help you make informed decisions about your care. If you have questions and want to talk with someone, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email at helpline@komen.org. Se habla español.
Treatment
Although metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured today, it can be treated. Treatment focuses on extending life and maintaining quality of life. As treatment continues to improve, so does survival.
Emerging Areas in Treatment
Many new drugs to treat metastatic breast cancer are under study.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials offer the chance to try new treatments and possibly benefit from them.
Managing Side Effects and Supportive Care
There are many ways to manage side effects caused by metastatic breast cancer treatment and the cancer itself.
Bone Metastases
The bones are one of the most common sites of breast cancer metastases. Bone metastases can damage your bones. Medications to strengthen and protect your bones reduce this damage.
Managing Pain
Controlling pain is a standard part of treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Many methods of pain control are available.
Quality of Life
Quality of life describes your overall well-being. Your emotional and physical health as well as concerns about financial issues can affect your quality of life.
Support
Counseling (either one-on-one or in a group setting) can help improve your mental well-being and quality of life.
Support for Family and Loved Ones
Emotional support is important for those who love and care for someone with metastatic breast cancer.
Depression
It’s common to get depressed when you are living with metastatic breast cancer. Let a member of your health care team know how you are feeling emotionally. Depression can (and needs to) be treated.
Hospice and End-Of-Life Care
At some point, treatment for metastatic breast cancer may be stopped. This can happen when treatment stops showing any benefit or when it negatively impacts quality of life. Reducing symptoms then becomes the focus of care.
Hospice can make this later stage of care as comfortable as possible.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance resources are available, including the Komen Financial Assistance Program.
Educational Resources
Susan G. Komen® has educational resources on metastatic breast cancer.
Educational Events
Susan G. Komen®‘s Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Impact Series |
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Susan G. Komen’s free MBC Impact Series provides people living with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones a safe, space to gather information related to MBC and discover practical resources to help make decisions for improved physical and emotional health. To learn more and register visit www.komen.org/mbcseries. |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people with cancer and their caregivers get the seasonal flu shot. |
Find more information from the CDC about the seasonal flu.
Find information about COVID-19 and breast cancer.
SUSAN G. KOMEN® SUPPORT RESOURCES |
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Updated 06/29/22
