What Does a Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis Mean?

Women are living longer with stage 4 breast cancer, thanks to evolving treatment.

If you have breast cancer, your diagnosis will include a stage based on whether — and how much — the cancer has spread. This ranges from stage 0, meaning the cancer has not moved into nearby tissue, to stage 4, meaning the cancer has spread, or metastasized, beyond the breast tissue and lymph nodes into other parts of the body.

Metastatic breast cancer is the most serious form of this cancer, but there is still hope. If you have received news of a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, you probably have questions and concerns. Keep reading to learn about this cancer, possible symptoms and advances in treatment.

What Is Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Metastatic breast cancer means the cancer that began in the tissue, ducts, lymph nodes or elsewhere in the breast has spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is most common in women, butmen can get it, too. Cancer can be aggressive, and malignant (harmful) cells invade nearby healthy cells to replicate more cancer. When these cells get into the lymph nodes or bloodstream, they can be carried to other parts of the body. The cancer then begins to take hold in new areas, with cells replicating and forming new tumors. Breast cancer most often spreads to the brain, bones, lungs and liver. This is still considered metastasized breast cancer, regardless of where the new tumors form.

Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer will vary depending on where the new cancer has spread. Common signs are pain in the back, neck or bones, unexplained shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, seizures, speech difficulties, mood swings and vision changes. If you havebreast cancerand notice any new or worsening symptoms, consult with your care team.Tests can be doneto determine whether the cancer has metastasized, including blood work, biopsies, and imaging such as PET/CT, MRI and ultrasound.

Read More:Is Dense Breast Tissue Cause for Concern?

What Is the Survival Rate for Metastatic Breast Cancer?

In the latest data,168,000 women in the U.S.were estimated to have metastatic breast cancer. According to theAmerican Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for this cancer is 31 percent. This means that about 1 in 3 women who are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer will live for at least five years. That said,the survival rate is increasing, especially among women ages 15 to 39. Many people with metastatic breast cancer are able to live longer thanks to treatments that reduce symptoms and slow cancer progression.

What Are the Latest Treatments for Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Unfortunately, there is not yet a cure for metastatic breast cancer. However, that does not mean the cancer — and its symptoms — can’t be treated. People with metastatic breast cancer can work with their care teams to choose from several treatment options to shrink tumors, slow cancer growth, improve symptoms and live longer. Cancer specialists may recommend changing from one treatment to another if side effects become overwhelming. Treatments include:

• Hormone therapy:Some types of breast cancer need estrogen or progesterone to grow. This therapy can inhibit these hormones from reaching the breast cells so the cancer cannot grow.

• Chemotherapy:This infusion treatment can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells by delivering drugs to cells through the bloodstream.

• Targeted drug therapy:Medications can directly target proteins on breast cancer cells, destroying these cells or inhibiting their growth.

• Immunotherapy:This relatively new form of treatment can teach a person’s immune system to recognize and attack cancerous cells in the body.

If you have breast cancer, Adventist Health is here for you. Learn how our expert care teams help people navigateevery step of their cancer journey. When you’re ready,find a cancer treatment center near you.