{"id":4642,"date":"2023-10-13T13:22:44","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T17:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rubanrose.wpbeta.vortexdev.com\/?page_id=4642"},"modified":"2024-11-08T11:38:15","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T16:38:15","slug":"metastatic-breast-cancer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rubanrose.wpbeta.vortexdev.com\/en\/inform-me\/after-the-diagnosis\/metastatic-breast-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Metastatic breast cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n What is metastatic <\/span>\n \n breast cancer? <\/h2> <\/section>\n\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage 4 breast cancer, is the most advanced form of breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is when cancer cells from the breast have migrated to other parts of the body to form new tumours at a distance from the primary tumour. These new tumours are called secondary tumours or metastases and are responsible for most breast cancer-related deaths.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are treatments that can limit the progression of the disease and mitigate its secondary effects. However, despite advancements that have made it possible to stabilize metastatic breast cancer, it is considered incurable. Currently, people who receive this diagnosis generally cannot expect to be cured, but some live for many years. People with this type of breast cancer are facing a much different reality than those with earlier-stage breast cancers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the United States and other developed countries, it is estimated that between 3 and 10% of new breast cancer cases are first diagnosed at Stage 4 and that approximately 20 to 30% of cancer cases will ultimately develop metastases. The Quebec Metastatic Breast Cancer Registry was established in 2021 (1)<\/sup><\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article focuses on breast cancer in women because the vast majority of breast cancer cases affect women. However, it should be noted that breast cancer in men<\/a> represents 1% of breast cancer cases. Furthermore, men are at a greater risk of receiving a late diagnosis due to a lack of knowledge of the disease in men, the absence of obvious signs and the challenges of establishing effective screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Where are breast cancer <\/span>\n \n metastases found? <\/h2> <\/section>\n\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

Although cancer cells from the breast can migrate to almost any part of the body, they are most commonly found in the bones, lungs, liver and brain. Organs affected by metastases are known as sites of metastasis or sites of spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer or recurrence, it means that cancer cells have been detected in parts of your body other than the breast. In this case, although the cancer cells have moved to other parts of your body, the origin of the cancer will still be used to characterize the disease, regardless of where the cancer cells are located. Because the primary tumour originated in the breast, you will receive treatment for metastatic breast cancer or for a metastatic recurrence (not for bone, lung, liver or brain cancer).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Receiving a metastatic breast <\/span>\n \n cancer diagnosis <\/h2> <\/section>\n\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

Receiving a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is harrowing. The days, weeks and months following your diagnosis can be very difficult. You will probably experience intense emotions: fear, anger, confusion, grief and mourning. These feelings can be even deeper and more intense than those you experienced with your previous diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may feel isolated and alone. During this time, you need company and support. Make sure you have people around you and don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help. Family members, friends, colleagues and acquaintances can help you, listen to you and support you.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that you are not alone. The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is here to help. See our free support services<\/a> and don\u2019t hesitate to contact us for support and information at 1 855 561-PINK (7465)<\/strong> or by e-mail at stade4@rubanrose.org.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing your diagnosis<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You should talk about your diagnosis only when you feel ready<\/strong>. Take care of your emotions first. You may want to wait until you have met with your healthcare team and done your own research. Whether you decide to share the news with just a few people or to tell everyone in your life, the decision to talk about your situation is yours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Telling your children about your diagnosis<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Parents may struggle to talk about their disease with their children,<\/strong> because they want to shield them from bad news. However, children can sense when something is not right and will imagine the worst if the truth is hidden from them. Despite your worries, it is possible to share your diagnosis with your children (and your grandchildren) in a way that soothes their feelings of fear, confusion and distress. You are the best person to judge what your children can understand. Their reaction will depend on their age and their development. A number of resources are available to help you find the right words. See our blog post I just received my diagnosis. How do I tell the kids?<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Treatment for metastatic <\/span>\n \n breast cancer <\/h2> <\/section>\n\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

Your healthcare team<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When you have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, a healthcare team<\/strong> will support you as best as possible throughout your journey. Good communication with the people on the team is essential for talking freely<\/strong>, asking questions and receiving the information you need to properly understand the diagnosis, prognosis and options available to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your healthcare team is multidisciplinary\u2014oncologists, family doctor and other specialists such as nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and more. Your pharmacist is also an important source of information concerning the medications you are taking or considering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to know everyone on your team, their respective roles and to know when and how to reach them. They can also help you navigate the healthcare system and provide advice to help you make informed decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your palliative care team<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Palliative care is not just end-of-life care. The palliative care team supports people affected by the disease in an advanced stage. For example, they will be there to relieve the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment, such as pain, depression, stress and anxiety, with the goal of improving your quality of life. Your palliative care team can also help you navigate the healthcare system, provide information or help you make informed decisions when it is time to make difficult choices.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your palliative care team is likely to be multidisciplinary and may include specialized doctors and nurses, as well as many other stakeholders depending on your needs (nutritionist, massage therapist, etc.).  \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing for appointments<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Stress and anxiety can make it harder for you to absorb all the new information provided at medical appointments. It is a good idea to have someone come with you. You can also compile a list of questions<\/a> and ask the person who comes with you to take notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning treatments<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Every case of metastatic breast cancer is different. The treatment plan for metastatic breast cancer will be personalized and adapted to your unique situation. Several factors will influence the choice of your treatment plan. These include the characteristics of the primary tumour and the metastases, the sites of spread, the number and size of the metastases, how quickly they are progressing, the hormone receptor status, the HER2 status and your reaction to previous treatments. Your age and overall health will also be taken into consideration as well as other issues and personal choices such as the number of hospital visits and the time required for each visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your treatment options offer benefits and possible side effects. Discuss the different options with your healthcare team to weigh the risks and benefits together and make informed decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your specific needs, your healthcare team may suggest hormone therapy<\/a>, chemotherapy (administered alone or in combination), targeted therapies<\/a>, or a combination of these options.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the months after treatment begins, your doctor will have you undergo tests to determine if the cancer is progressing (tumours are growing or the cancer is spreading), regressing (tumours are shrinking or the cancer seems to have disappeared) or holding stable (no change). Your doctor will advise you on your treatment options based on the monitoring results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participating in clinical trials<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Clinical trials<\/a> are studies designed to test the effectiveness of new medications or innovative treatments. Clinical trials are an opportunity to have access to new therapies likely to extend your life or improve your quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you participate in a clinical trial, you are contributing to the advancement of medical research on metastatic breast cancer.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can consider taking part in a clinical trial as soon as you are diagnosed. The first step is discussing it with your doctor. They can assess your eligibility and help you to understand the processes, advantages and disadvantages of a particular clinical trial, so you can make an informed decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Living with metastatic <\/span>\n \n breast cancer <\/h2> <\/section>\n\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

The challenge for you and your healthcare team is to find the right balance between life-extending and comfort treatments and your quality of life. Good quality of life means that your physical, psychological, emotional<\/strong> and relationship<\/strong> needs are met to the extent possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side effects of metastatic breast cancer and treatments<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Every cancer is different and reactions to treatment and side effects vary from one person to another, particularly depending on the type of medication, dosage, your tolerance level, your medical history and your current health.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The professionals on your healthcare team are there to inform you of the possible side effects and ways to prevent or better manage them.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the most common side effects<\/a> of metastatic breast cancer treatment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n