Metastatic Breast Cancer
What is metastatic breast cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. It’s 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).
Although metastatic breast cancer has spread to another part of the body, it’s still breast cancer and treated as breast cancer. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bones is still breast cancer (not bone cancer). So, it’s treated with breast cancer drugs rather than treatments for a cancer that began in the bones.
Learn more about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
The following is a 3D interactive model showing metastatic breast cancer (stage IV) with some of the most common possible sites of spread.
Susan G. Komen® Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Impact Series |
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Susan G. Komen’s MBC Impact Series provides people living with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones a safe, collaborative space to gather information related to metastatic breast cancer. You can discover practical resources to help make decisions for improved physical and emotional health. During the free events, you can participate in sessions with leading experts, hear from individuals living with metastatic breast cancer and gather information from wellness experts. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask our speakers questions. To stay up to date about event topics and timing, sign up for our MBC Newsletter here. You can also learn more and register for events by visiting www.komen.org/mbcseries. |
How many people have metastatic breast cancer?
It’s estimated there were more than 168,000 women in the U.S. living with metastatic breast cancer in 2020 (most recent estimate available) [7]. Men can also get metastatic breast cancer.
When can metastatic breast cancer occur?
Most often, metastatic breast cancer arises years after a person has completed treatment for early or locally advanced breast cancer. This may be called a distant recurrence.
Some people have metastatic breast cancer when they are first diagnosed (about 6% of diagnoses in U.S. women and about 9% of diagnoses in U.S. men) [204]. This is called de novo metastatic breast cancer.
Treatment
Although metastatic breast cancer can’t be cured today, it can be treated. Treatment focuses on extending life and maintaining quality of life.
Treatment is guided by many factors, including:
- The biology of the tumor including biomarkers (such as hormone receptor status and HER2 status)
- Whether there are gene mutations in the tumor (such as ESRI or PIK3CA tumor gene mutations)
- Where the cancer has spread
- Your symptoms
- Your past breast cancer treatments
- Whether you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation
- Your overall health, age, menopausal status and other medical issues
- Your personal treatment goals and preferences
Learn more about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
Learn about managing side effects and supportive care.
Learn about support groups and other sources of support.
Survival
Modern treatments continue to improve survival for people with metastatic breast cancer. However, survival varies greatly from person to person.
About one-third of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the U.S. live at least 5 years after diagnosis [206]. Some women may live 10 or more years beyond diagnosis [206].
SUSAN G. KOMEN® METASTATIC BREAST CANCER SUPPORT RESOURCES |
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*Please note, the information provided within Komen Perspectives articles is only current as of the date of posting. Therefore, some information may be out of date.
Updated 02/21/25
This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.
