Metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is when breast cancer cells have spread to another part of your body. It is also known as advanced or secondary breast cancer.

What is metastatic breast cancer?

Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the first (primary) tumour in your breast to another part of your body. It is also known as secondary breast cancer, advanced breast cancer or stage 4 breast cancer.

Your cancer may be advanced when it is first diagnosed, or your cancer may have come back or spread sometime after your first diagnosis (recurrent cancer).

Metastatic breast cancer treatments are to keep the cancer under control, rather than to cure it. There are many treatments that can keep the cancer under control, sometimes for many years.

Having metastatic breast cancer as your first cancer diagnosis ('de novo' cancer)

Most people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer were diagnosed with primary breast cancer previously. They have been through tests, treatments and side effects. They are familiar with their healthcare team in the hospital and have learned how to cope with the disease.

Some people are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer as their first cancer diagnosis – they have not had a previous diagnosis of breast cancer. ‘De novo’ means the breast cancer is metastatic ‘from the start’.

Being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer as your first cancer diagnosis is not common, but it can be incredibly overwhelming.

Your healthcare team will guide you through your diagnosis and treatment, and we are here to help too. Our Support Line nurses can help and support you, and give you information on counselling and other services.

Coping with your diagnosis

Finding out your cancer has spread can be very difficult to deal with emotionally, but in time most people find a way to cope and feel better. We also have information about coping with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer, physically and emotionally.

How does cancer spread?

Cancer cells can spread via the lymphatic or blood system from your breast to other parts of the body.

If you have had treatment for breast cancer, some cancer cells that have been inactive for many years and undetectable by scans may start to grow.

Where in the body does breast cancer spread?

The most common places for breast cancer to spread to are the bones, lungs, liver, brain or lymph nodes. Less commonly it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the skin, bone marrow, ovaries or lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).

The cancer is still breast cancer, even if it is found in other parts of your body. It will be treated with breast cancer treatments.

(Image courtesy of CRUK / Wikimedia Commons)

Note:

We use the term ‘woman / women’ in our breast cancer information but we understand that not everyone who may need this information identifies as a woman.

Although it is rare, men can get breast cancer too.

Whoever you are, wherever you come from, we are here for you. For confidential advice, information and support, contact our Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700.