It is estimated that there are more than 155,000 women in the United States living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). MBC, or metastatic breast cancer, is a type of stage IV cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Although there are treatments available for MBC, there is no cure at this time. A woman who is diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) will most likely require treatment for the remainder of her life. The good news is that thanks to advances in treatment, women with MBC are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. The median survival time for women with metastatic breast cancer has nearly tripled since the 1970s. This is a significant improvement and shows that we are making progress in treating this disease.
Many people know that breast cancer is common, but few know the dangers of metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed annually on October 13 to raise awareness of MBC and support patients with stage IV breast cancer. This day is used to bring attention to this type of cancer and to show support for those who are fighting it. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also called stage IV breast cancer or secondary breast cancer, is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is most likely to spread to the lymph nodes, bones, lungs, liver, and brain. When breast cancer metastasizes, the tumor cells look and act like cancerous breast tissue cells in their new location.
Approximately one in three early-stage breast cancer survivors experience the recurrence of the disease in the form of MBC, which can occur months to decades after treatment. Metastatic breast cancer is considered incurable, whereas early-stage breast cancer is not. Ten-year survival was 10% with optimal treatment and 5% without treatment. The main goal of MBC treatment is to improve the patient's quality of life by controlling symptoms and preventing cancer from spreading. MBC is managed with a combination of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and targeted therapies. Despite MBC being the leading cause of cancer death in women, only a small percentage of breast cancer research in the United States is dedicated to MBC research. This needs to change. It is important to raise awareness about this type of cancer.
Why is it important to raise awareness about metastatic breast cancer?
In October, we honor those who have fought and lost their battle with breast cancer. But we must not forget the silent minorities, who are too often forgotten. The 2006 Silent Voices study found that women with metastatic breast cancer often felt that their needs were not being met in terms of medical care, emotional support, physical needs, and financial assistance. Additionally, many of these women felt isolated and alone during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This was because most of the awareness and support was focused on women who were newly diagnosed, had completed treatment, or were doing well. The goal of MBC Awareness Day is to raise awareness of and prioritize the needs of patients with metastatic breast cancer. People are usually aware of breast cancer, but they are often unaware of the uncomfortable facts surrounding metastatic breast cancer. This day is dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer and the difficulties those affected face.
What are the stages of metastatic breast cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of the disease and occurs when cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Metastatic breast cancer is difficult to cure, but treatment can help control cancer and prolong a person's life. There are several ways that metastatic breast cancer can develop. Cancer cells commonly spread through the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and nodes that helps fight infection. Cancer cells can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body can begin to grow and form new tumors. Tumors can be difficult to treat and may cause death.
There are several different types of metastatic breast cancer, depending on where the cancer cells have spread. The three most common types of metastases are bone, brain, and liver metastases. Osteolytic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to the bones, while hepatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to the liver. Metastatic breast cancer is often fatal, but there are treatments available that can help to control the disease and extend a person's life. There are several treatment options available, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. New treatments for metastatic breast cancer are currently being tested in clinical trials.
Where does metastatic breast cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer typically spreads to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. It can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the skin, digestive tract, and reproductive organs. Metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured, but treatment can control its growth and prolong a person's life. The goal of treatment for metastatic breast cancer is to slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms. Treatment options may include various forms of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Some people with metastatic breast cancer may be eligible for clinical trials. Clinical trials test new treatments in people before they are approved by the FDA. Some clinical trials test already-approved treatments to see if they are effective in treating metastatic breast cancer. Other researchers test new treatments that have not yet been approved. Taking part in a clinical trial may offer people with metastatic breast cancer access to new treatments and the opportunity to contribute to medical research. To learn more about clinical trials, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov. People with metastatic breast cancer should discuss all treatment options, including clinical trials, with their healthcare team. There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, but treatment can help control its growth and prolong a person's life. The goal of treatment for metastatic breast cancer is to stop the disease from spreading and relieve symptoms.
What are the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer?
The most common symptom of metastatic breast cancer is the growth of cancerous cells in other parts of the body. Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body can cause a variety of different symptoms. Metastatic breast cancer commonly spreads to the bones, liver, lungs, and brain. The most common symptom of metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the bone is bone pain. It is often described as a deep pain that worsens at night. Other symptoms of bone metastases can include breakages, abnormalities, and frailty. Cancer that has spread to the liver can cause fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and jaundice. Cancer that has spread to the lungs may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. Cancer that has spread to the brain can cause various symptoms, including headaches, seizures, changes in mood or personality, and weakness. The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer are similar to those of other types of cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor to determine the cause and start appropriate treatment.
If breast cancer spreads to the bone: Cancer in the bone is often first indicated by a constant ache or pain in the bone. The pain may get worse when you move and may make it hard to sleep at night.
If breast cancer spreads to the liver: If breast cancer spreads to the liver, it can cause several symptoms, including pain in the abdomen, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and weight loss. These symptoms can be debilitating and cause a great deal of suffering for the patient. There are several possible treatments for breast cancer that has spread to the liver, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The best course of treatment will vary depending on the individual case.
If cancer spreads to the lungs: If cancer spreads to the lungs, it can cause several symptoms, including Shortness of breath, Coughing up blood, Chest pain, Wheezing, Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. While not all lung cancer symptoms are caused by the disease itself, they may be indicative of other serious health problems. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for the best possible outcome.
If cancer spreads to the brain: If cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the size and location of the tumor. Common symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, memory loss, and changes in vision or hearing. In some cases, brain tumors can also cause paralysis or coma. Brain cancer is most often treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. The patient's prognosis depends on the type and stage of their cancer, as well as their overall health. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with brain cancer, it is important to seek experienced medical care and support. There are many resources available to help patients and families cope with this serious disease.
Palliative care for metastatic breast cancer
Palliative care for metastatic breast cancer can help improve patients' quality of life. Metastatic breast cancer is a type of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, brain, or bones. Palliative care can help people with metastatic breast cancer manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Palliative care is a type of healthcare that focuses on relieving the symptoms of a disease and improving the quality of life for people with serious illnesses. Palliative care can be used alongside other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Palliative care teams are made up of medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. These teams work together to provide comprehensive care for people with serious illnesses.