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The Voice of People With Breast Cancer
Information
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Treatment
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for metastatic breast cancer (mBC), including:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Targeted therapies
- Immunotherapy
- Surgery (less common)
- Radiation therapy (less common)
You can learn more about each type in our Treatment and Side Effects section.
Understanding Treatment Sequences
The order in which treatments for mBC are given is called line sequencing.
- First-line therapy is the first treatment you receive.
- If the cancer grows or you have too many side effects, your care team may suggest second-line, then third-line, or fourth-line options.
- Some drugs are approved for use only at specific points in the sequence.
You may stay on the same treatment for a long time if it works well and side effects are manageable. If the treatment stops working or becomes too difficult to tolerate, your oncologist will help you explore other available options, and potentially clinical trials.
Complementary Therapies
Many people also use complementary therapies such as massage, acupuncture, meditation, or yoga to manage stress and symptoms. These therapies are not used to treat cancer itself but can support your overall well-being. Talk to your healthcare team to make sure they are safe to use alongside your medical treatment.
Navigating Your Diagnosis
Being informed and asking questions can help you feel more confident in your care and understand your options better. Our PatientPath tool offers information on specific treatment options for your type of cancer, questions to ask your doctor, and checklists to help you navigate important conversations with your treatment team.
- References
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Breastcancer.org. (2025). Metastatic breast cancer. https://www.breastcancer.org/types/metastatic
Canadian Breast Cancer Network. (2022). Breast cancer and you: A guide for people living with breast cancer [PDF]. https://cbcn.ca/web/default/files/public/Reports/Breast%20Cancer%20and%20You_ENG_edit_web.pdf
Canadian Breast Cancer Network. (n.d.). Living legacy: 10 questions to ask your doctor [PDF]. https://www.cbcn.ca/web/default/files/public/Living%20Legacy_10Questions_FactSheet_Final_ENG.pdf
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
Canadian Cancer Society. (2024). Treatment for metastatic breast cancer. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast/treatment/metastatic
The Canadian Cancer Society has a database that can be used to find local support services in your area. You can access it below:
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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
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