Metastatic breast cancer is a critical or most advanced stage of breast cancer commonly seen in women. Metastatic condition is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, most commonly the brain, liver, lungs, or bones. Cancer cells usually tend to break away from the original tumour in the breast and travel to other parts through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. This transmission leads to the spread of tumours to other parts of the body. 

Studies reveal that nearly 30% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will develop metastatic disease.

But the metastatic cancer is NOT entirely hopeless. Many people continue to live long, productive and happy lives with breast cancer even in this stage. While detecting cancer is a significant step to understanding the seriousness, soon after, the treatment procedures to cure it steps in. 

De novo metastatic condition 

Although metastatic cancer is considered as the repetition in cancer patients, 10% of women are found to have a metastatic condition when they are first diagnosed. This condition is called “de novo” metastatic condition, and the prior diagnosis of cancer is not observed here. 

Treatment procedures for Metastatic breast cancer 

1. Radiation Therapy 

   Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatment procedures employed in treating metastatic breast cancer. It is highly useful in treating cancer in a specific area and lowers the risk of cancer weakened bone breaking. Radiation therapy also helps in opening blocked airway for easy breathing. 

2. Surgery 

   Suggesting a surgery for metastatic breast cancer is high seen as well. There can be a lot of reasons behind getting a suggestion of surgery from your doctor. Know all the grounds before you finalise the method of treatment. 

   In the case of “de novo” metastatic condition, surgery can be an excellent option to consider. 

3. Chemotherapy 

   Being one of the most heard cancer treatment methods, Chemotherapy works out for metastatic breast as well. It helps you in destroying the cancer cells as much as possible. Chemotherapy is often combined with targeted therapies to deal with the other organs damage caused by metastatic cancer. 

4. Hormonal Therapy 

   Hormonal therapy is a process of lowering the amounts of the hormone estrogen in the body. Hormonal therapy is entirely about controlling the levels of estrogen and blocking action against it. Hence, it is also called as anti-estrogen therapy. Based on the patient body conditions and cancer stage, Hormonal therapy is suggested by the doctor. 

Living ahead with Metastatic Cancer 

Metastatic cancer is not an end. You can lead a happy and composed life even after. Take enough support from your family, friends and people who are living with it already. You can read up the stories of people from blogs, podcasts and discussion boards to fill up encouragement. 

This Metastatic breast cancer awareness day, spread the word of positivity, hope and love to your beloved who is going through this as well!

*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before making any decision.