Quality of Life – Metastatic Breast Cancer

Read our blogs:

• Looking Back Helps Me See the Progress I’ve Made Against Metastatic Breast Cancer
• Improving Quality of Life: Using Palliative Care for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Watch our MBC Impact Series, Metastatic Breast Cancer and Sexual Health.

What is quality of life?

“Quality of life” describes your overall well-being, including:

• Emotional and physical health
• Ability to perform daily roles
• Sexuality and intimacy
• Pain, fatigue and other side effects of treatment or the breast cancer itself

Non-health issues, such as financial concerns, are also part of quality of life.

Learn about financial assistance, insurance and other financial issues.

Komen Financial Assistance Program

Susan G. Komen® created the Komen Financial Assistance Program to help those struggling with the costs of breast cancer treatment by providing financial assistance to eligible individuals. To learn more about this program and other helpful resources, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org. Se habla español.

Quality of life issues

Although important for everyone with breast cancer, quality of life issues are especially important for people with metastatic breast cancer.

Managing side effects and other issues that affect your quality of life is an important part of your care. You should never feel you have to endure pain or other side effects.

Talk with your health care provider about any issues affecting your quality of life.

Learn about:

• Bone care
• Constipation
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue and insomnia (sleeping problems)
• Fear of dying
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Loss of sex drive
• Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes and vaginal symptoms)
• Pain
• Other symptoms

Supportive care (palliative care)

Supportive care (palliative care) is all the care given to improve the quality of life for people with breast cancer (or any serious health condition). It includes preventing or relieving side effects as well as taking care of emotional, social and spiritual needs.

Learn more about managing side effects and supportive care.

 

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.

After treatment for breast cancer ends

At some point, you may decide to stop active treatments for the cancer. This can happen when treatment stops showing a benefit or when it greatly affects your quality of life.

Once treatment is stopped, reducing pain and other side effects becomes the focus of care, rather than a part of treatment.

This can be a very difficult time. Your health care provider or hospital can help you find a counselor or a support group.

Hospice care can make this later stage of care as comfortable as possible.

Learn about support groups, hospice care and other types of support.

Resources

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has information on end-of-life planning and care, including questions you may want to ask your health care provider.

The American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has a guide for patients and their families to help make decisions on end-of-life care.

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.

Updated 06/07/24