Breast Cancer: Metastatic or Recurrent

Breast Cancer: Metastatic or Recurrent

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with an estimated 281,550 new cases and 43,600 deaths in the United States in 2021. The majority of breast cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, when they are localized to the breast and have not spread to other parts of the body. However, in some cases, breast cancer can metastasize, or spread, to other organs and tissues. Metastatic breast cancer is considered to be incurable, but with treatment, it can often be managed and controlled.

Types of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer can spread to any organ or tissue in the body, but the most common sites of metastasis include the bones, liver, lungs, brain, and skin. The type of metastasis is determined by the location of the spread. For example, bone metastasis is the most common type of metastatic breast cancer, accounting for about 70% of cases. Liver metastasis is the second most common type, accounting for about 20% of cases. Lung metastasis is the third most common type, accounting for about 10% of cases.

Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer

The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer vary depending on the location of the spread. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Bone pain
• Liver pain
• Lung pain
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite

Diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is diagnosed through a variety of tests, including:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans
• Biopsy

Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer

The treatment of metastatic breast cancer depends on the location of the spread, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

Prognosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer

The prognosis of metastatic breast cancer varies depending on the location of the spread, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health. However, the overall 5-year survival rate for metastatic breast cancer is about 28%.

Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Living with metastatic breast cancer can be challenging, but there are a number of things that can be done to improve quality of life. These include:

• Managing symptoms
• Staying active
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting enough sleep
• Reducing stress
• Seeking support from family and friends

Resources for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

There are a number of resources available to help metastatic breast cancer patients. These include:

• The American Cancer Society
• The National Breast Cancer Foundation
• The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network
• The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Conclusion

Metastatic breast cancer is a serious disease, but with treatment, it can often be managed and controlled. Patients with metastatic breast cancer should work closely with their doctors to develop a treatment plan that is right for them.