Support for a metastatic diagnosis


If you have been diagnosed with metastatic cancer, we are here to help. Find out more about our supports and resources.

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Freephone Support Line
Our Cancer Nurses offer confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.
Daffodil Centres
Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.

Metastatic cancer is a term that usually describes cancer that has spread.

Understanding metastatic cancer

Different doctors use different terms to explain a cancer that has spread. Metastatic cancer is often called advanced cancer or secondary cancer. Each of these terms mean the same thing - cancer that has spread to another part of the body. If you're not sure what these terms mean, ask your doctor to explain. You can also ask one of our cancer nurses for advice.

Coping with metastatic cancer

Having metastatic cancer has been described as ‘riding an emotional rollercoaster’ - sometimes you may feel very low, while at other times you may feel very positive and hopeful.

In time, though, most people come through the initial shock and upset and find a way to cope. We have some information to help you with your feelings if you have been diagnosed.

Coping with metastatic cancer

Treating metastatic cancer

Usually treatment for metastatic cancer will be to control the cancer for as long as possible, rather than to cure it. We have more information on treating metastatic cancer.

Learn more about metastatic cancer treatment

We're here for you

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Freephone Support Line

We have a range of free services to help you cope with a metastatic cancer diagnosis from our Freephone Support Line (1800 200 700) to counselling. Reach out to us today to find out more. 

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Frequently asked questions about metastatic cancer

Cancer cells can spread from the original tumour to other parts of your body through the lymphatic system or blood. These cells can then grow in other organs in your body to form a secondary tumour.

Different cancers can spread to different parts of the body. The most common parts of the body that cancer spreads to are the bones, liver, lungs and brain.

A metastatic cancer is named after the part of the body where it began. Even when cancer has spread to a new area, it is the same sort of cancer as when it started. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the liver is called metastatic breast cancer. Or prostate cancer that spreads to the bones will be called metastatic prostate cancer and will be treated with prostate cancer treatments.

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Visit our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.

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Terms you might hear explained

If you have had a diagnosis of cancer before (primary cancer), the cancer may come back in another part of your body.

Cancer has already spread from where the cancer started (primary site) when it is first diagnosed.

A cancer has already spread when you are first diagnosed but the doctors are unable to find the primary cancer (or where the cancer started.

With locally advanced cancer, treatment is still aimed at curing the cancer.

Locally advanced means the cancer has grown outside the organ it started in but has not yet spread to other more distant parts of the body.

You may hear terms like ‘bone mets’ or ‘liver mets’. These mean a cancer that has spread to your bone or liver. ‘Mets’ is short for metastasis.

If you are confused at all about your cancer, how your doctor describes it or what this means for you, ask your doctor to explain it more clearly. You can also speak to one of our cancer nurses by calling our Support Line on 1800 200 700 or by visiting a Daffodil Centre.


We're here for you

Our services are here to help you

Peer Support
Peer Support is a free and confidential phone service connecting people with similar cancer experiences. Our volunteers are trained to provide emotional and practical cancer support.
Counselling
We fund professional one-to-one counselling for anyone affected by cancer remotely (over the phone/online) or in person in certain cancer support centres around the country.
Eating well and exercise support
Eating well and exercise can help you feel better before, during and after cancer treatment. We can provide information and support on maintaining a healthy diet and being physically active.

Talk to a Cancer Nurse

Support Line

Support Line

Our Cancer Nurses offer confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer. Call or email supportline@irishcancer.ie. Video calls available. Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Support Line
Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.
Our Daffodil Centres