Metastatic Breast Cancer

What is metastatic breast cancer?

Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. It’s breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain.

Although metastatic breast cancer has spread to another part of the body, it’s still breast cancer and treated as breast cancer.

For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bones is still breast cancer (not bone cancer). So, it’s treated with breast cancer drugs rather than treatments for a cancer that began in the bones.

Learn more about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

The following is a 3D interactive model showing metastatic breast cancer (stage IV) with some of the most common possible sites of spread.

Susan G. Komen® Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Impact Series

Susan G. Komen’s MBC Impact Series provides people living with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones a safe, collaborative space to gather information related to metastatic breast cancer and discover practical resources to help make decisions for improved physical and emotional health.

During the free events, you can participate in sessions with leading experts, hear from individuals living with metastatic breast cancer and gather information from wellness experts. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask our speakers questions.

To stay up to date about event topics and timing, sign up for our MBC Newsletter here. You can also learn more and register for events by visiting www.komen.org/mbcseries.

How many people have metastatic breast cancer?

It’s estimated there were more than 168,000 women in the U.S. living with metastatic breast cancer in 2020 (most recent estimate available) [7]. Men can also get metastatic breast cancer.

When can metastatic breast cancer occur?

Most often, metastatic breast cancer arises years after a person has completed treatment for early or locally advanced breast cancer. This may be called a distant recurrence.

Some people have metastatic breast cancer when they are first diagnosed (about 6% of diagnoses in U.S. women and about 9% of diagnoses in U.S. men) [157]. This is called de novo metastatic breast cancer.

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Treatment

Although metastatic breast cancer can’t be cured today, it can be treated. Treatment focuses on extending life and maintaining quality of life.

Treatment is guided by many factors, including:

  • The biology of the tumor including biomarkers (such as hormone receptor status and HER2 status)
  • Where the cancer has spread
  • Your symptoms
  • Your past breast cancer treatments
  • Whether you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation
  • Your overall health, age, menopausal status and other medical issues
  • Your personal treatment goals and preferences

Learn more about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

Learn about managing side effects and supportive care.

Learn about support groups and other sources of support.

Survival

Modern treatments continue to improve survival for people with metastatic breast cancer. However, survival varies greatly from person to person.

About one-third of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the U.S. live at least 5 years after diagnosis [168]. Some women may live 10 or more years beyond diagnosis [168].

 

SUSAN G. KOMEN® METASTATIC BREAST CANCER SUPPORT RESOURCES

  • Do you need help with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis? We’re here for you. The Komen Patient Care Center is your trusted, go-to source for timely, accurate breast health and breast cancer information, services and resources. Our navigators offer free, personalized support to patients, caregivers and family members, including education, emotional support, financial assistance, help accessing care and more. Get connected to a Komen navigator by contacting the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email helpline@komen.org to get started. All calls are answered Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Se habla español.
  • We offer an online support community through our closed Komen Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage IV) Group. The Facebook group provides a place where those living with metastatic breast cancer, and those who love them, can find support, friendship and information. Click the link above or visit Facebook and search for Komen Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage IV) Group and request to join.
  • Our free MBC Impact Series provides people living with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones a safe, collaborative space to gather information related to metastatic breast cancer and discover practical resources to help make decisions for improved physical and emotional health. To learn more and register visit www.komen.org/mbcseries.
  • Our Real Pink podcast series covers many relevant topics for people living with metastatic breast cancer and caregivers.
  • Our fact sheets, booklets and other education materials offer additional information.

 

*Please note, the information provided within Komen Perspectives articles is only current as of the date of posting. Therefore, some information may be out of date.

Updated 03/28/24

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Metastatic Breast Cancer