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Living with metastatic breast cancer means facing a complex reality, made up of difficult moments but also strong bonds, love, courage, and solidarity. Each journey is unique.
If you are here, it may be because you are living with breast cancer and metastases, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to better understand what this means.
Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is a chronic disease, which means that treatment is often part of everyday life for the long term.
Gaining a better understanding of this diagnosis can help you move forward with more confidence. This includes learning about the type of breast cancer, as each type can influence how the disease progresses and the treatment options available.
Recurrence / Progression
of early breast cancers women will face a relapse in Europe, the disease may recur or progress to metastatic breast cancer or advanced breast cancer.1
Belgium
are diagnosed at an early stage2.
Netherlands3
learn at the time of their initial diagnosis that they have metastatic disease*.
Receiving this diagnosis is often a shock. Everyone reacts in their own way, with their own emotions, questions, and fears. It is a difficult time, but understanding what it means can help.
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage 4 breast cancer or advanced breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage 4 breast cancer or advanced breast cancer.
Metastasis is when a cancer cell breaks away from the original tumor and spreads to another part of the body to form a new tumor
Breast cancer is classified into several stages, from 1 to 4, depending on how far it has spread in the body.
Although stage 4 breast cancer cannot be cured at this time, it can be treated to slow the disease, relieve symptoms, or preserve quality of life.
If you hear about stage 5 metastatic breast cancer, be aware that stage 5 is not a recognized medical term; stage 4 is the most advanced stage in the official classification.
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the metastases but may include bone pain in the case of bone metastases, breathing difficulties, headaches, digestive problems, or simply very general symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite4.
Symptoms can therefore take many forms. It is recommended that you consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There are several types of treatment for metastatic breast cancer, tailored to each situation. The choice depends on many factors: the type of cancer, its location, previous treatments, and your preferences. Here is an overview of the main types of treatment available today.
The information shared on this site is intended to help you better understand, but it is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. Everyone is different, and only your doctor can guide you toward the treatments that are right for you. If you have any questions or concerns, always talk to your oncologist or healthcare team.
These treatments block the action of hormones (such as estrogen) that stimulate the growth of certain cancer cells. They are mainly used for breast cancers that are hormone dependent (and therefore not triple negative breast cancer).
These target specific abnormalities in cancer cells, such as receptors or genetic mutations. By blocking these targets, they disrupt the growth or survival mechanisms of tumor cells. They are often used in combination with other treatments to enhance their effectiveness.
These innovative treatments combine an antibody that targets the tumor with a powerful chemotherapy agent. The antibody acts as a GPS that guides the drug directly into the cancer cells.
This therapy helps our own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, which it does not always detect naturally.
Chemotherapy works by destroying cells that divide rapidly, including cancer cells.
When living with metastatic breast cancer, regular tests are necessary to monitor the progression of the disease.
The frequency of tests and the type of tests performed may vary depending on your situation, your current treatments, and the decisions made with your healthcare team. Each follow up is tailored to the individual, based on their needs and the progression of the disease.
Here are the main types of tests used to assess your health.
Here, they share their journeys, their doubts, their strengths, and what helps them keep going every day. Their stories may inspire you or simply make you feel supported.
After my breast cancer and relapse 20 years later, I changed the way I plan. I no longer make long-term plans; I now plan according to my medical appointments. For example, my next appointment is in three months, so I think about what I can do between now and then. I can go out, I can live my life, but always until the next check-up. I've learned to live more for today and tomorrow, and I take better care of myself, focusing on well-being.
- Els lives with metastatic breast cancer.
Since my body wants to destroy me, I've decided to get my body moving again. I started dancing again, and when I dance, I forget about my cancer.
- Irène, lives with metastatic breast cancer.
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