Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is an invasive breast cancer also known as stage IV and refers to breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Most commonly, metastatic breast cancer spreads to the liver, bones, lungs, or brain. (BREASTCANCER.ORG) 

Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced breast cancer stage, which initially develops when abnormal cells begin to divide at an increased rate that is difficult to control. These abnormal cells can form together to make what is known as a tumor. (Cleveland Clinic) 

Individuals may experience different signs and characteristics when living with metastatic breast cancer. These signs and characteristics can be distinct based on the location of metastasis. The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides the following list based on locations: (National Breast Cancer Foundation)   

Metastasis in the bone may cause  

• Severe, progressive pain  
• Swelling 
• An increased risk of bone fractures or breaks

 Metastasis to the brain may cause 

• Persistent, headaches that are progressively getting worse, or pressure in the head 
• Vision disturbances 
• Seizures  
• Vomiting or feeling nauseous   
• Behavioral changes or personality changes  

Systemic therapy is the main method used to treat metastatic breast cancer. The following list of systemic therapies is provided by the American Cancer Society and are the most commonly used treatments. 

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy, or chemo, uses anti-cancer drugs that are inserted into the body by being injected into the vein or taken by mouth. These drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells in most parts of the body. Depending on where the cancer cells are located in the body, chemo may be directly given to a certain area

• Hormonal therapy: Some types of breast cancer can be affected by hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. Breast Cancer cells have receptors that can attach to these hormones, which allow them to grow. Hormonal therapy aims to stop these hormones from attaching to these receptors, preventing the cancer cells from growing.
  
  
• Immunotherapy:This method of therapy uses medicine to boost an individual’s immune system to specifically target and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy typically works on specific proteins in the immune system to make the immune response stronger. These drugs will have different side effects from the ones used in chemo.
  
  
• Some targeted therapy may also be used with the utilization of certain drugs 

While these are just four of the systemic approaches for treatment of metastatic breast cancer you can find more information on treatment on the American Cancer Society website. 

The earlier an individual receives a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, the more effective treatment can be. The outlook is typically better when cancer is diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage. It is important that you talk to your provider about when you should start having regular breast exams and mammograms.

Self-exams may help as you can identify lumps in your body, set up an appointment with a doctor, and discover whether a lump is cancerous or harmless. Additionally, familiarity with your body and pre-existing lumps will help you better detect changes. It is important to note that self-exams are not a replacement for mammograms or breast exams. (National Breast Cancer Foundation) 

Although risk factors, like family history, cannot be prevented, there are lifestyle choices you can make to reduce the risk of breast cancer and help improve your quality of life:

• Maintain a healthy weight: obesity increases your risk of breast cancer. Here is a chart to find your Body Mass Index (BMI). A healthy weight falls between 18.5 - 24.9 BMI. Please note that your BMI does not distinguish between weight from fat and weight from muscle. Consult your doctor for healthy and sustainable ways to lose weight, or to have your body fat measured. (CDC) 
  
  
• Regular physical activity: every week, adults should get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise and do muscle strengthening activities, such as weightlifting or running, two days a week. Physical activity has a myriad of benefits, both physical and mental. (CDC) 
  
  
• Avoid smoking: smoking can cause cancer in almost any body part. (CDC)