By continuing to use our site, you consent to the processing of cookies, user data (location information, type and version of the OS, the type and version of the browser, the type of device and the resolution of its screen, the source of where the user came from, from which site or for what advertisement, language OS and Browser, which pages are opened and to which buttons the user presses, ip-address) for the purpose of site functioning, retargeting and statistical surveys and reviews. If you do not want your data to be processed, please leave the site.
The Voice of People With Breast Cancer
Information
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Coping with Your Diagnosis
What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer (mBC) is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is also called advanced, secondary, or stage IV breast cancer. The spread of cancer cells can happen before the original tumour is found (called de-novo mBC), during initial treatment or even years after completing treatment for an earlier breast cancer. Unlike early-stage breast cancer, mBC cannot be cured.
Breast cancer cells can move through the blood or lymph system and form new tumours in other places. These new tumours are called metastases. The most common places breast cancer spreads to are the bones, but it can also spread to the lungs, liver, brain, or skin.
Even though it has spread to other organs or tissues, it is still called breast cancer because the cancer cells started in the breast.
You may be interested in reading our handbook on mBC: Metastatic Breast Cancer Handbook: A Guide for Individuals Living With Stage IV Breast Cancer
The Canadian Cancer Society has a database that can be used to find local support services in your area. You can access it below:
Coping with Your Diagnosis
You may be interested in reading our handbook on MBC: Metastatic Breast Cancer Handbook: A Guide for Individuals Living With Stage IV Breast Cancer
What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer (mBC) is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is also called advanced, secondary, or stage IV breast cancer. The spread of cancer cells can happen before the original tumour is found (called de-novo mBC), during initial treatment or even years after completing treatment for an earlier breast cancer. Unlike early-stage breast cancer, mBC cannot be cured.
Breast cancer cells can move through the blood or lymph system and form new tumours in other places. These new tumours are called metastases. The most common places breast cancer spreads to are the bones, but it can also spread to the lungs, liver, brain, or skin.
Even though it has spread to other organs or tissues, it is still called breast cancer because the cancer cells started in the breast.
- References
-
Canadian Breast Cancer Network. (n.d.). Metastatic breast cancer handbook: A guide for individuals living with stage IV breast cancer. https://cbcn.ca/web/default/files/public/Reports/E%20-%20mBC%20Handbook.pdf
Canadian Breast Cancer Network. (2015). Waiting for treatment: Timely equitable access to drugs for metastatic breast cancer. https://cbcn.ca/web/default/files/public/Reports/FINAL-Waiting%20For%20Treatment%20report%202015.pdf
Canadian Breast Cancer Network, & Rethink Breast Cancer. (2013). Metastatic breast cancer in Canada: The lived experience of patients and caregivers. https://cbcn.ca/web/default/files/public/Reports/Metastatic%20Breast%20Cancer%20In%20Canada%20Report%20June%202013%20-%20English.pdf
SHARE
Our Stories
Events
Receive updates by email Subscribe Now
About CBCN
CBCN strives to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing.
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
185 Somerset St. West Suite 318, Ottawa, ON Canada K2P 0J2
Tel: 613-230-3044
Toll-free: 1-800-685-8820
Email Us
