Susan G. Komen is making metastatic breast cancer (MBC) a top priority for public policy, research and ongoing education and patient support programs.
What is MBC?
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an advanced stage (stage 4) of breast cancer where tumor cells have spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. Nearly all breast cancer deaths are due to MBC. In fact, it’s expected to kill over 44,000 people in the U.S. this year alone. It’s estimated there were more than 168,000 women living with metastatic breast cancer in the U.S. in 2020.
The 5-year relative survival rate for people whose breast cancer is contained to the breast is 99%. Once breast cancer metastasizes to areas outside of the breast and surrounding regional lymph nodes—often spreading to the bones, liver, lungs, or brain—the 5-year relative survival rate drops to 27%.
Hear from Our Metastatic Breast Cancer Community
Real perspective, stories and advice from those living with MBC.
Research
We must understand the biology of breast cancer and metastasis to develop drugs to slow, stop and prevent it. Metastatic breast cancers, by and large, are more resistant to the standard therapies we have today. That’s why it’s going to take innovative research and breakthrough discoveries to detect, target and find the cures for this disease. Susan G. Komen has invested more than $210 million in MBC research, supporting more than 500 research grants, including more than 50 clinical trials.
Education & Information
MBC is the most advanced stage of breast cancer—also known as stage 4. It causes nearly all of the more than 44,000 breast cancer deaths this year in the United States. If you are a caregiver, a loved one, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, or living with MBC, we provide breast cancer information that is safe, accurate, reliable and based on scientific evidence and presented in a variety of formats.
Support
In the United States, it’s estimated that more than 168,000 women have MBC. We want everyone to benefit from the scientific discoveries that are improving treatment for MBC and have the information and support needed to face the unique challenges and concerns of living with MBC. Komen works with partners in communities across the country to unlock the scientific discoveries and deliver the support needed to help people with MBC.
Advocacy
We need policymakers to understand and prioritize the needs of people impacted by breast cancer, especially those living with metastatic breast cancer. Komen is actively engaged in Washington, D.C. and capitals across the country to create broad, long-lasting changes that will expand research funding and increase access to high-quality, affordable care for all patient populations.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are key to making progress against MBC. Patients who join clinical trials receive high-quality care while contributing to the research process that could help themselves or others. Komen wants to help people with MBC find-and participate in-clinical trials.
Call our Breast Care Helpline to speak with a trained specialist about clinical trials.
1-877 GO KOMEN
or email at clinicaltrialinfo@komen.org.
Use the Metastatic Trial Search Tool to find a trial that’s right for you.
Upcoming Metastatic Breast Cancer Events
Komen’s Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Impact Series provides people living with MBC and their loved ones a safe, collaborative space to gather information and discover practical resources needed to make decisions for improved physical and emotional health. During each month’s free event, you will be able to participate in live sessions featuring leading experts in their fields, hear from individuals living with MBC as they share their stories, and learn how to improve wellness.
To learn more and register for the series of events, click here.
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