Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) is not a specific type of breast cancer. It’s the most advanced stage of breast cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body (most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain).

As hard as it is to hear, metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured today. Unlike breast cancer that remains in the breast or nearby lymph nodes, medical treatments can’t get rid of all the cancer that’s spread to other parts of the body.

However, metastatic breast cancer can be treated. Treatment focuses on extending life and maintaining quality of life.

Treatment for metastatic breast cancer is guided by many factors, including:

• The biology of the tumor (characteristics of the cancer cells)
• Where the cancer has spread
• Your symptoms
• Past breast cancer treatments
• Your overall health, age, menopausal status and other medical issues, as well as your
• Personal goals and preferences

Most treatments for metastatic breast cancer are drug therapies.