Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also referred to as Stage IV, or advanced stage breast cancer occurs when the cancer cells have spread through the lymphatic system or blood stream to other parts of the body such as the bones, brains, lungs, or liver. De Novo is a term that refers to a metastatic diagnosis at the time of initial diagnosis and staging. A de novo metastatic breast cancer diagnosis accounts for approximately 6-10% of breast cancer diagnoses. Distant Recurrence is a term that is used when the cancer has returned after an initial early stage diagnosis (i.e., Stage 0, II, III) and treatment, and has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Likelihood of recurrence depends on a number of factors including tumor characteristics, genetic predisposition, stage, age at diagnosis, and if there was lymph node involvement to name a few. Typically oncologists will closely monitor patients for the first five years as that tends to be the window in which the likelihood of the cancer returning (recurrence) can occur. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms depend on where the cancer returns. For example, people may experience bone pain if the cancer has metastasized to the bones. Other symptoms may include chronic dry cough, dizziness, extreme fatigue, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. It is important after treatment to maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and to keep up with your medical follow up appointments. In addition to the whole month of October being recognized broadly as breast cancer awareness month, you may not know that October 13th specifically marks metastatic breast cancer awareness day.
Whereas MBC refers to the original breast cancer spreading to other parts of the body, a second primary cancer (SPC) refers to an additional, separate cancer diagnosis. “A second primary cancer may occur in the same tissue or organ as the first cancer, or in another region of the body. These second cancers may be related to a genetic predisposition, common risk factors, treatments for the original cancer, or simply occur sporadically as cancer often does.” (verywellhealth.com) For breast cancer survivors, this means a second primary diagnosis could be a new breast cancer diagnosis after original treatment, or a separate cancer in other tissues of the body. The incidence rate of all SPC has been rising, mainly because of improved survival rates of cancer patients after their original diagnosis.
In the articles below, we share research being done on MBC and SPC, as well as support resources for those experiencing either.
#116. Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer & Our MBC Life
While breast cancer may unite us, there are many nuances, even within the metastatic community to bring to light. These women share their unique and powerful stories with us. They are advocates and supporters, and they are here to educate, share in our community and create space for our MBC breast cancer community. Listen Now.
#110. Losing Someone You Love to MBC: Meet The Husbands In this episode, we talk with three men who have lost their wives to metastatic breast cancer -- Jimmy, Andrew, and Christian -- as they take us through their journeys through cancer with their wives and share with us the wonderful memories of these truly impactful women. They reveal the emotions they experienced with the initial diagnosis, the ways they grappled with supporting their wives while maintaining perspective, and share advice for couples who maybe embarking on their own cancer journeys together. Listen Now.
#122. Cancer Recurrence and the Power of Twitter
In this episode we speak with Silke. Diagnosed with stage II breast cancer only to find out it had spread to her bones 6 years later. Silke shares with us the intimate emotions as she navigates the successes of a surgery, a low onco-type score, and not needing radiation. After being on three lines of treatment she is now seeing positive responses from a clinical trial. Listen Now.
