Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed on October 13th each year to spread awareness about metastatic breast cancer and the need to develop new, targeted treatments that will improve survival rates among patients.
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as advanced or stage four breast cancer, spreads beyond breast tissue to other organs in the body; typically, these include the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. The process through which cancer cells spread to these other organs is called metastasis.
Approximately 6% of all people assigned female at birth who receive a breast cancer diagnosis have metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, most cases of this advanced form of cancer are also cases of recurrent cancer, meaning that it is cancer that returned after previous treatment. This generally occurs when prior treatments did not destroy all cancer cells present at the original affected area.
Despite the fact that metastatic breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is considered and treated as breast cancer. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bones is still breast cancer (not bone cancer) and is treated with breast cancer drugs, rather than treatments for a cancer that began in the bones.
Treatment for metastatic breast cancer focuses on improving the length and quality of your life. It involves working with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that takes many different factors into account, including:
- Characteristics of the cancer cells
- Where the cancer has spread
- Your current symptoms
- Age and health
- Past cancer treatments
The types of treatments available for metastatic breast cancer include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and drugs that target genes spreading cancerous cells. Clinical trials also offer opportunities for new, experimental treatment options that may be beneficial to you. Talk to your doctor about recommended treatment options that are appropriate for your specific circumstances.
If you need diagnostic testing or treatment for breast cancer, you can work with a cancer care specialist through the MediSys Health Network’s collaborative oncology program with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.