We all know the fear and shock that comes with hearing the words "breast cancer." But it's hard to put into words the feeling of knowing that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, that is, it has become 'metastatic.' But it's important to remember that you are not alone at this time. Today we talk about this condition, without burdening your heart, simply, as if you were talking to your own friend.
Simply put, what is metastatic breast cancer?
Doctors also call this 'Metastatic Breast Cancer'. Some also call it 'Advanced Breast Cancer' or 'Stage IV Breast Cancer'.
Simply put, this is when cancer cells that started in the breast break away, travel through the blood vessels or lymph vessels, and form new tumors in other parts of the body. In other words, some cancer cells escape from their original home, the breast, and establish new colonies in other parts of the body.
The important thing is that while this condition cannot be completely cured, there are treatments available today that can improve the quality of life and help people live as long as possible. With the advancement of medical science, the number of people living with this condition for long periods of time is increasing day by day.
Not everyone who develops breast cancer will develop this condition. According to data, between 20% and 30% of women with early-stage breast cancer will eventually develop the cancer in this way. Also, even when breast cancer is first diagnosed, a small number (about 6%) may have already spread to other parts of the body.
What could be the symptoms of this condition?
If you have this condition, it's normal to worry that even small changes in your body could be a sign that the cancer is spreading. But remember, not every change or pain means the cancer is getting worse.
For example, fatigue is a common symptom of this condition. However, it can also be a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy. However, if you are constantly feeling tired, have a loss of appetite, or are losing weight without trying, it is important to talk to your doctor about it.
Specific symptoms may occur depending on the organ to which the cancer has spread. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Where the cancer has spread | Possible symptoms |
|---|---|
| Bones |
|
| Brain | |
| Lungs | |
| Liver |
Why does this happen? How does cancer spread?
This condition often occurs as a recurrence of cancer after the original cancer has been treated. Imagine what happens if all the cancer cells are not destroyed during treatment?
Sometimes, cancer cells are so small that they are not even detected by tests. Even if a cancer is removed through surgery, it is not 100% effective. This is because, before surgery, a few small cancer cells may have spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or the bloodstream.
In this way, cancer cells that have escaped treatment and become weak, over time, start to get stronger again. They grow, divide, and multiply again. Then, they travel through the blood vessels and lymphatic system, which are like highways in our body, and settle in distant parts of the body. Sometimes these cells can be dormant for months or years and then suddenly become active. This is why this condition can arise even years after treatment.
How to recognize this condition?
If you have the above symptoms, your doctor may recommend some tests, such as:
- Biopsy: This involves taking a small piece of suspicious tissue and examining it under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.
- Blood tests: Tests such as a complete blood count give an idea of the general health of the body.
- Bronchoscopy: If there is a suspicious area in the lungs, a small tube with a camera is inserted to examine the inside of the lungs.
- Various imaging tests: Tests such as bone scans, chest X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound scans can help determine exactly where the cancer has spread.
- "Taps": A procedure to take fluid from a site where symptoms are present and test it. For example, a pleural tap or spinal tap.
What are the treatment options?
As we've said before, there's no cure for this condition yet. Therefore, the main goal of doctors is to help you live your best life possible, with as few side effects as possible, and to extend your lifespan.
That means there is no single treatment for this. Your doctor will determine a treatment plan that is specific to you. This will be influenced by the following factors:
- The type of breast cancer: For example, the treatment for hormone-positive cancer is different from the treatment for triple-negative cancer.
- Where the cancer has spread: Treatment for cancer that has spread to the liver may be different than treatment for cancer that has spread to the lungs.
- Your previous treatments: We also consider how your cancer responded to previous treatments and how those treatments affected you.
- Test reports: Information from laboratory tests about the nature and behavior of cancer cells is also important.
The main treatment methods used are:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
How long does treatment take?
When treating early-stage cancer, the goal was to cure the cancer by treating it for a set period of time. But now, the goal is to shrink new tumors, control the spread of the cancer, and manage symptoms. So, you may need to continue receiving some treatment indefinitely.
About living with this situation
Living with this condition may feel familiar to you in some ways. You're still receiving treatment, managing symptoms, and facing the daily challenges of a serious illness. The difference is that now the cancer is in other parts of your body and it's not going away easily.
It's understandable how difficult it can be to hear this truth. You may feel helpless, as if you've lost control of your life. If you feel that way, there are things you can do to manage the stress and situation:
- Consider palliative care: Palliative care not only helps manage the side effects and symptoms of treatment, it also provides the resources and support you need to maintain your mental health.
- Eat a nutritious diet that suits you: Treatment can reduce your appetite. If you have questions about your diet, talk to a nutritionist.
- Take it slow, one step at a time: Living with this condition can feel like running a never-ending marathon. So try not to panic, but to take it one day at a time, one challenge at a time.
The most important thing is to remember that you have a medical team, family, and friends to support you on this journey. Talk openly with them about your feelings, fears, and hopes.
Can't this situation be prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent breast cancer from spreading. The important thing is to understand that this is not because of anything you did or didn't do. It is because some cancer cells that survived treatment are circulating throughout the body.
The best thing you can do is to be aware of new symptoms while taking care of your overall health. While treatment cannot cure this, early intervention can help control the disease.
Take-Home Message
- Metastatic breast cancer is when cancer that started in the breast spreads to other organs in the body (such as bones, brain, lungs, liver).
- Although it cannot be completely cured, there are very effective treatments available today that can help prolong life and maintain a good quality of life.
- Symptoms depend on where the cancer has spread. Talk to your doctor about any unusual, ongoing changes in your body.
- Treatment is unique to each person and depends on the type of cancer, where it has spread, and your overall health.
- This journey can be difficult. But remember, your medical team, family, and friends are there to support you. You are not alone.
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