You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. You’re young.
You’ve got plans, goals and dreams. Then come three words that change everything: metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
It’s not just a diagnosis – it’s a forever shift. Your world changes drastically.
Now, your mind darts back and forth between the typical plans of someone your age – your family, your career, your relationships, your everyday life – to a now a much heavier thought: “How long am I going to survive this?”
You live in the in-between, juggling long-term treatment alongside the demands of real life – parenting, careers, friendships, relationships, grief and hope. The treatments, anxiety and fear that go along with an MBC diagnosis may never end.
Despite the emotional and mental toll of this uncertainty, there are stories of resilience and joy. Connecting with others in a similar situation can be a lifeline.
Many women are facing this same diagnosis. You’re not alone. In fact, there are nearly 170,000 women in the U.S. living with MBC today. It’s a staggering number.
Furthermore, breast cancer is affecting more young women than ever before and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women ages 20 to 39. Young women already face unique issues when diagnosed with breast cancer, such as early menopause and fertility concerns. Receiving an MBC diagnosis can further compound those issues. Those living with MBC will never be done with treatment, are always on the lookout for the next breakthrough and have a disease that is currently incurable.
How Can I Take Action?
You don’t have to face MBC alone or in silence. It’s important that you and your family educate yourselves about available treatment options so you can advocate for better quality of life. You can also find community and support by connecting with others who share similar experiences.
Instead of starting from scratch, you can use Komen’s available tools and resources to learn more.
You can do your own Metastatic Trial Search to help you and your doctor find ongoing clinical trials that fit your needs, while also contributing to advancements in the field that provide better care for current and future individuals diagnosed with MBC.
Women living with MBC can find strength in many ways. This might include sharing their stories, pushing for better treatments and more research, as well as advocating for better access to and participation in clinical trials. Bottom line: When you show up, you shift the conversation.
Your story matters, your voice counts, and your actions don’t just impact you – they help so many others who are facing the same diagnosis.
MBC may have changed your life, but it doesn’t define you. When you’re ready, there’s a whole community waiting for you. There are other women living with MBC who understand what you’re facing, and they are here to walk alongside you.
Sign up for the MBC newsletter. Join a virtual MBC Impact Series event. Volunteer in your local community. Find others who can relate. Be part of SharesForCures. Join Komen’s private MBC Facebook Group.
Getting involved will help you build a community to support you and your family as you navigate treatment. It can also help you become more proactive in your treatment journey, so you can be confident that you’re receiving the best care for your situation.
Whether you’re looking for connection, information or a place to share your voice, visit Komen.org to learn more or to get involved. Because when you speak up, your voice makes a difference, for you and for others.
