Earlier stages of cancer, which are local to the breast and surrounding area, can be cured with surgery — for example, someone might have their breast tissue removed (a procedure called a mastectomy) to remove the cancer. Because metastatic breast cancer affects other parts of the body, Gupta says it’s usually treated systemically rather than surgically. The type of treatment ultimately depends on the type of breast cancer a person has and where exactly it’s spread.
Some patients undergo radiation, which kills cancer cells in specific areas. This is usually done to relieve symptoms: For example, Dr. Gupta says it can help minimize pain when breast cancer has spread to a person’s bones. Chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells throughout the body, is also an option.
If someone has a type of breast cancer with estrogen or progesterone receptors — known as hormone-receptor positive — then anti-hormone treatments given in pill form may help control it. “With this type of cancer, we start with a non-chemotherapy regimen that lowers the estrogen levels, which for many patients can prove effective,” Dr. Gupta says.
The treatment course for metastatic breast cancer may be different than that of earlier stages, as well as the overall intent of treatment. “The priority is to try to kill any cancer cells that have reached other parts of the body as well as cells that may be floating around in the bloodstream. This can help get the disease under control so it doesn’t progress, with the goal of helping someone live longer and have more quality years,” says Dr. Shah-Khan.
What’s the outlook for someone with metastatic breast cancer?
According to the National Cancer Database, the five-year survival rate for metastatic breast cancer — meaning the percentage of people who live five years — is 22 percent. But Dr. Gupta says the prognosis can vary based on the type of breast cancer someone has, and that fortunately, there are many treatment options for someone with metastatic disease.
No matter what the prognosis is, finding out you have metastatic breast cancer can be traumatic. “Having a new cancer diagnosis, regardless of stage, is very stressful,” says Dr. Shah-Khan. “Having a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer can be even more difficult to process.” For that reason, she always recommends patients seek out emotional support in addition to cancer treatment.
