Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer (stage 4 breast cancer) is 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 commonly the bones, lungs, liver or brain.
While metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured today, it can be treated. Treatment focuses on extending life and maintaining your quality of life.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and scared when you’re living with metastatic breast cancer. But you’re not alone. Many people have metastatic breast cancer and support is available to you and your loved ones.
Susan G. Komen® offers many support resources, including our dedicated Patient Care Center to assist with your needs and provide information about clinical trials. Komen’s Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Impact Series and Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage IV) Facebook Group offer supportive and safe spaces for those living with metastatic breast cancer.
The MBC Impact Series provides people living with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones with webinars to gather information and discover practical resources to help make decisions for improved physical and emotional health.
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Treatment for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured today. However, it can be treated. Treatment for metastatic breast cancer focuses on extending life and maintaining your quality of life.
- Tests are done on a sample of the metastatic tumor (from a biopsy). The results of these tests give information on the biology of the tumor to help guide your treatment.
- Many different drug therapies can be used to treat metastatic breast cancer.
- Your treatment will depend on the type of breast cancer you have.
Watch our video of Komen Scholar Dr. Mariya Rozenblit as she reviews some things that can help guide your treatment.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials offer you the chance to try new treatments and possibly benefit from them. This is a promising time in metastatic breast cancer research with many emerging treatments under study in clinical trials.
Findings from clinical trials determine if new treatments will become a part of the standard of care. Thanks to clinical trials, treatment and care for people with metastatic breast cancer is always improving.
The Metastatic Trial Search tool can help you find clinical trials that fit your needs.
Find a list of questions about clinical trials you may want to ask your doctor.
“The Last Thing We Need to Worry About is Paying for Our Care”
Lisa Mayer has been living with metastatic breast cancer since 2016 and advocates for the passing of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, which would waive the 5- and 24-month waiting periods and allow qualifying people with metastatic breast cancer to immediately receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare benefits. “I could have concentrated on fighting to live as long as possible, not stressing about money and insurance coverage.”
Take ActionLiving with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Watch our video, Inside the Emotions of Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Managing side effects
All treatments for metastatic breast cancer have side effects. Most people have some side effects from treatment.
- Many side effects can be managed and even prevented.
- Before treatment begins, talk with your health care team about possible side effects and ways to manage them.
Controlling pain is an important part of your care. You should never feel you have to endure pain.
Let your health care team know about any pain or discomfort you have. They may prescribe medications or change your treatment plan to reduce these side effects.
Supportive care (palliative care)
Supportive care is all the care given to improve the quality of life for people living with metastatic breast cancer. It includes taking care of your physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
Counseling in a one-on-one setting or a support group may improve your well-being and quality of life.
Loved ones – especially spouses, partners and children – may also need support. Find help with Komen’s support resources for loved ones.
Hospice
At some point, you may decide to stop active treatment for metastatic breast cancer itself. Reducing symptoms then becomes the focus of care. Hospice can make this later stage of care as comfortable as possible.
Missy’s Story: “I Believe We Can Find a Cure for Metastatic Breast Cancer”
Missy Van Lokeren was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2017. She serves as a Komen Advocates in Science Member to advocate for others living with the disease: “There’s hope and there’s research being done so we can live.”
Read NowSusan G. Komen® Support Resources |
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Do you need help with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis? We’re here for you. The Komen Patient Care Center is your trusted, go-to source for timely, accurate breast health and breast cancer information, services and resources. Our navigators offer free, personalized support for you and your loved ones including education, emotional support, financial assistance, help accessing care and more. Get connected to a Komen navigator by contacting the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org to get started. All calls are answered Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Se habla español. Komen’s Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer Facebook Group provides a place where those living with metastatic breast cancer, and those who love them, can find support, friendship and information. Our free MBC Impact Series of educational events provides people living with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones a safe, collaborative space to gather information related to metastatic breast cancer. They can discover practical resources to help make decisions for improved physical and emotional health. Register to attend at komen.org/mbcseries. Our Real Pink podcast series features candid conversations with patients, survivors, those living with metastatic breast cancer, scientists and caregivers. Find more information about metastatic breast cancer through Komen’s metastatic breast cancer fact sheets, booklets and other education materials. |
