What is the form of breast cancer known as metastasis?
The
passing of Australian pop icon Olivia Newton-John has brought awareness to the
frequently misunderstood stage of breast cancer known as metastasis.
Newton-John
received her initial breast cancer diagnosis in the 1990s and was in remission
for 25 years. She raised more public awareness of the stages of the disease by
cancelling tour dates after the cancer returned in 2017, this time in her
spine.
According
to Pat Halpin -Murphy, president and founder of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition,
it is uncommon for cancer to come back after more than two decades in
remission, but it is possible. For this reason, it is crucial for women and
anyone who has had cancer in the past to continue with routine screenings.
According to Halpin-Murphy, "people think that if you've been around for five years, you're sort of over the hump." The Newton-John case, however, demonstrates that "you're exposed at any time."
What
is breast cancer that has spread?
"Metastatic"
refers to cancer that has migrated from the breast to the bones, liver, or
lungs, among other organs. Even though treatments may help slow the spread,
metastatic breast cancer, commonly known as stage IV cancer, cannot be cured.
How
is breast cancer that has spread treated?
According
to Melissa McShane, an assistant professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center who
specializes in breast cancer, it depends on the type of breast cancer and where
it has progressed. Breast cancer is frequently treated with chemotherapy,
immunotherapy, surgery to remove tumors, and mastectomy, which involves
removing the breast.
Doctors
take the patient's general health, lifestyle, and goals into account when
determining the appropriate treatment plan. For instance, some patients could
desire aggressive therapy, whilst others might find the side effects and time
commitment too excessive.
Who
is susceptible to breast cancer that has spread?
Breast
cancer with metastatic spread can affect both men and women. Breastcancer.org
estimates that 30% of patients with early-stage breast cancer will later
develop metastatic breast cancer. At the time of the initial diagnosis, 4% of
breast cancers are metastatic.
Can
someone who has had a mastectomy develop metastatic breast cancer?
Yes.
When a breast is surgically removed, a mastectomy lowers the likelihood that
the disease will return to the same location, but metastatic breast cancer is
by definition breast cancer that has spread outside of the breast. Following a
person's initial early-stage diagnosis, they may go on to develop metastatic
breast cancer months or even years later.
How
long can someone survive with breast cancer that has spread?
According
to McShane, it depends on the type of cancer, the extent of its spread, the patient’s
treatment regimen, and how their bodies react to it. According to the American
Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for metastatic breast cancer is
29%, which indicates that those with this cancer have around a 29% higher
chance of living for at least 5 years following diagnosis than those without
it. However, women with metastatic breast cancer are now living longer thanks
to more effective treatment options.
Is
it possible to stop metastatic breast cancer?
No.
However, routine breast cancer screening can improve the likelihood of
detecting cancer at an earlier stage, when it is simpler to treat. Women over
40 are advised to get routine mammograms. Mammograms must be covered without a
deductible by private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid for those who
qualify.