Metastatic breast cancer, also known as advanced or stage IV breast cancer, is a type of breast cancer that spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. In the United States, a small number women find out that they have metastatic breast cancer on their first diagnosis. Metastatic breast cancer normally starts several months or years after a woman has successfully finished the initial treatment for early or locally advanced stage I, II, or III breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer recurring and metastasizing varies from person to person.
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Women with a metastatic breast cancer prognosis face different challenges compared to those who have early stage breast cancer. In this article, we will discuss the treatment options and prognosis of metastatic breast cancer. We shall also discuss some of the emotional and practical effects of living with a metastatic breast cancer prognosis.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatments
Metastatic breast cancer is not curable. However, there are treatments available to make living with the disease easier. In fact, some women can live for several years with metastatic breast cancer. As treatments for both metastatic breast cancer and early-stage breast cancer continue to improve, so does the survival rate.
Cancer often spreads to the bones, liver, lungs. or brain if it metastasizes. Even if breast cancer spreads to other body parts, it is still considered breast cancer and is, therefore, treated with breast cancer therapies.
What Are the Goals of Treatment?
Metastatic breast cancer is treated with an aim of controlling the development of the tumor while prolonging the life of the patient, as well as improving their quality of life.
Doctors modify treatments to suit each individual patient, which depends on what side effects the patient is willing or able to tolerate. Cancer differs from one person to another, and personal preferences also guide treatment in comparison to early-stage breast cancers. Other treatments do have side effects which can impact the quality of life. Along with his or her oncologist, a person suffering from metastatic breast cancer may find the right balance that is suitable for him or her in terms of treatment and quality.
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What Affects Metastatic Breast Cancer Prognosis?
The survival rate of metastatic breast cancer varies greatly. The average survival length for people suffering from metastatic breast cancer is about 2 years. However, this is only an average and doesn’t predict how long a person will live. As a matter of fact, most patients live much longer than 2 years. Approximately 15% of people suffering from metastatic breast cancer usually live up to 5 or more years after the initial diagnosis. Whereas, others can live for up to 10 or 20 years beyond diagnosis.
You should, however, keep in mind that survival rates are based on women who had been diagnosed before some of the latest treatments were available. New treatments for both metastatic breast cancer and early stage breast cancer help in improving the survival rates. Some available treatments today may influence the natural course of cancer and increase survival rates.
Is Joining a Clinical Trial Right for Me?
Clinical trials offer the chance to try the latest treatments. Those with metastatic breast cancer should join a clinical trial before starting a new treatment. However, clinical trials are specifically for certain groups, so it is crucial to look out for a trial that fits your unique situation.
Are There Resources to Help with Financial Restrictions?
Financial issues become a big concern for people living with a metastatic breast cancer prognosis. Although a person with early breast cancer has a good amount of time for treatment, it is not the same for people with metastatic breast cancer whose treatment can continue for years rather than months and create a bigger strain on their finances.
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Addressing Emotional Needs
Living with metastatic breast cancer requires that you take care of your emotional needs. Social support can help in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress that comes with the disease. Be it informal support or formal support, any sort of support can greatly help in improving the quality of life of patients.
Hope for the Future
For both women and men with metastatic breast cancer, there is a wide range of new treatment options available today. The treatments bring hopes of higher survival rates.
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