Overview
Stage 4 Breast Cancer also called Metastatic Breast Cancer is when the breast cancer has spread beyond your breast and lymph nodes to other organs in your body. Stage 4 Breast Cancer is also called Advanced Breast Cancer.
Tap “Watch Now” below for an easy-to-understand overview of Metastatic Breast Cancer.
- What Is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
- Understanding HR+, HER2, TNBC
Overview
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When diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, the cancer has spread beyond your breast and lymph nodes, to other organs in your body such as your lungs, bones, brain or liver, as shown here.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
Tissue analysis is also typically done to identify your cancer sub-type, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you. The most common Breast Cancer sub-types are Hormone Receptor Positive, HER2 Positive and Triple Negative (TNBC).
You may also require special Saliva or Blood Analysis to look for specific mutations (actual changes in your body’s DNA), called BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Read this summary as often as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our comparison page has been created to help you understand the latest FDA-approved treatment options including, where and how the treatment will be given, what side-effects you may have and most importantly, who can help you pay for your treatment.
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Your Status is critical to identifying the best treatment option for you
In addition to the size and cancer stage, your treatment options are guided by your Hormone Receptor status (+ or -) and HER2 status. Status is identified by analyzing cancer cells taken from the tumor in your breast, a procedure called a Biopsy.
HR positive (HR+)
An HR+ diagnosis means that hormones are fueling the tumor. To understand your specific sub-type, your doctors will look for Estrogen Receptors (ER) and Progesterone Receptors (PR), your tumor can have one, both or neither.
About 70% of breast cancers are HR+.
If you test positive for HR, it means that your treatment should include medications that block hormone production.
HER2 positive (HER2+)
HER2 is a protein that is found in normal cells, it gives cells a signal to grow and produce more cells. A HER2 positive (+++) breast cancer diagnosis means that the tumor cells have too many HER2 proteins, causing uncontrolled tumor cell division, tumor growth and spreading.
About 15% of all breast cancer tumors are HER2 positive (+++). Some patients with HR+ can also have HER2 positive (+++).
If you test HER2+, it means that your treatment should include medications that block the HER2 protein to stop tumor cell growth.
HER2 Low
Until recently Breast Cancer could be divided into HER2 Positve and HER2 negative. It has been discovered that around 60% of patients with Breast Cancer who were previously considered HER2 Negative, have low levels of HER2 on the tumor cells that can respond to a specific anti HER2 targeted therapy.
If you were diagnosed with metastatic HER2 negative Breast Cancer, ask your doctor if you could be tested for HER2 Low.
Triple Negative (TNBC) (aka HER2-/HR-)
A TNBC diagnosis means that analysis of your cancer cells has shown that negative results for 3 key breast cancer “fuels”:
- Estrogen Receptors (ER)
- Progesterone Receptors (PR)
- Too much HER2 Protein
TNBC is a type of fast-growing breast cancer that occurs in about 13% of all breast cancers.
If you are diagnosed with TNBC+, it means that your treatment should include chemotherapy in most cases, and for some women Immunotherapy.
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Answers to Most Searched Questions
Stage 4 Breast Cancer Definition
Stage 4 Breast Cancer is defined as cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. This stage is also known as metastatic breast cancer. At this point, the cancer may have spread to organs such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
Stage 4 Breast Cancer Survival Rate
The five-year survival rate for Stage 4 Breast Cancer is 28%.
Stage 4 Breast Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the organs affected with metastases. Bone metastases cause bone pain, brain metastases can cause hedaches, etc.
Stage 4 Breast Cancer Treatment
Treatment may include chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy, endocrine therapy or immunotherapy. Now click here to Compare Your Latest Treatment Options.
Stage 4 Breast Cancer Prevention
Stage 4 breast cancer is an advanced stage where cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. While specific prevention for Stage 4 is not applicable, general strategies to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer include:
- Regular Screening: Follow mammogram and clinical breast exam guidelines for early detection.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet.
- Limit Alcohol: Consume no more than one drink per day.
- Avoid Tobacco: Do not smoke.
- Manage Hormone Use: Discuss the risks of hormone replacement therapy with your doctor.
- Genetic Counseling: For those at high risk due to family history or genetic factors, consider genetic testing and preventive measures.
Stage 4 Breast Cancer Recurrence Rate
The recurrence rate for Stage 4 breast cancer is complex and varies widely based on factors like the location and extent of metastasis, hormone receptor status, and HER2 status. Stage 4 breast cancer is generally considered not curable, but it can be managed with ongoing treatment. The focus is on controlling the disease, improving quality of life, and extending survival. The five-year relative survival rate for Stage 4 breast cancer is approximately 30%, but this varies with individual factors and treatment advancements.
