When you understand your breast cancer diagnosis better you will be able to discuss with your oncologist about the treatment options.
Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of your body1,2. A tumor that has spread to another part of your body is called a metastasis (the plural is metastases)1,2.
Metastatic breast cancer is also referred to as Stage IV breast cancer or advanced breast cancer1.
When you are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer it does not mean that your initial treatment was not effective or because of your lifestyle. Breast cancer can come back in another part of the body months or years after the original diagnosis and treatment. Nearly 30% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will develop metastatic disease1,2.
How your metastatic breast cancer is diagnosed will depend entirely on your oncologist, the first thing your oncologist will want to do is find out as much as possible about your cancer - what type of metastatic breast cancer it is and where it has spread in the body. This will help your oncologist determine the best treatment plan for you1,2.
The types of tests you might have include:
Laboratory tests – these are tests of the blood, urine of other body fluids.
Imaging procedures – there are a variety of different imaging procedures that can help detect the location and size of tumors. Examples include CT scans and MRI scans.
Biopsy – this is when a sample of tissue is taken from your tumor to test for genetic markers on the tumor cells. Tests performed may vary from one person to another depending on your signs and symptoms and your oncologist’s recommendation.Tests and scans used to diagnose your breast cancer may be repeated throughout your treatment duration. This will help to determine if you are responding to your treatment for example tumor shrinkage and stable disease (tumor neither growing or shrinking) and not responding when the tumor starts to grow again.
The presence (or absence) of particular genetic markers on your breast cancer cells will define which type of breast cancer you have. The two main types of markers are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and hormone receptors (HR). The two hormone receptors that are important in breast cancer are estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR).
By knowing the combination of your genetic markers, it will help your oncologist in selecting the right treatment for you.
There are four main types of breast cancer1,2,3:
This is the most common form of breast cancer found in approximately two-thirds of patients3.
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is found within the cell membrane. When HER2 is activated, it causes breast cancer cells to grow and divide. When breast cancers have cells with more than 2 copies of the HER2 gene, this will generate too many HER2 receptors, and subsequently breast cancer cells grow and divide fast. This cancer is called HER2 positive.
This is cancer that has both HER2 and hormone receptors.
This cancer does not have HER2 or the receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Between 10-20% of breast cancers are triple-negative.
An important part of breast cancer diagnosis is to find out where the cancer has spread – or where you may have metastases. This will allow your oncologist to give you treatment specifically aimed at minimizing the possible effects of your metastases. For example, treatment can help strengthen your bones if cancer has spread to your bones1,2.
The most common sites for breast cancer metastases are bones, liver, lungs and brain. The symptoms you experience will depend on the location of your metastases1,2.
Symptoms will depend on which area of the brain is affected by the cancer. Possible symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, weakness, confusion, memory loss, speech problems and seizures1,2.
Sometimes breast cancer cells spread to one or both lungs through the blood or lymph system.
Symptoms can include breathlessness, cough, pain and loss of appetite1,2,4.
If breast cancer has spread to the liver, you may experience pain, nausea, loss of appetite, hiccups, jaundice, exhaustion and itchy skin1.
Bone metastases are the most common site of cancer-related pain and occur in approximately two-thirds of women with metastatic breast cancer.
You may experience pain, bone fractures due to bone weakening, spinal cord compression, anemia and fatigue1.
It’s important to talk to your oncologist if you experience any unusual symptoms - don’t wait too long.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Malaysia, and we recommend regular screening for early detection and diagnosis. You can get screened for breast cancer by scheduling an appointment at a clinic or a hospital.
Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, the general guidelines is that, frequently checking your breasts for cancer before there are any signs or symptoms can help you catch the disease early. And by seeking out the right oncologist and treatment will hopefully prevent the disease from progressing further.
Aim to give yourself once a month, ideally 7-10 days after each menstrual period, which is when breasts are the least tender and lumpy.
During your breast cancer self-checks make sure to follow proper guidelines and look for any changes in breast tissue, such as changes in size, any lumps, dimpling or puckering of the breast, inversion of the nipple, redness or scaliness of the skin or nipple area, or discharge from the nipple.
If you see any changes mentioned above, it is imperative that you consult with your physician immediately.
Despite there being no cure for metastatic breast cancer after being diagnosed, many treatment options that can extend a patient’s life have been available in Malaysia since the 1990's. Consult with your oncologist to choose the right treatment course for you.
Treatments for this type of stage IV cancer encompass many of the same treatments as other stages of breast cancer.
