Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is an emotional experience. There are many unknowns and next steps. But it’s even more concerning when the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other areas of the body.

If you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic, or Stage IV, breast cancer, your treatment path may include therapies not used in your initial treatment plan and new drugs made available thanks to recent clinical research studies. Thanks to this, many people continue to live full, active lives while managing their disease.

Understanding what it means to live with Stage IV breast cancer is part of the process after diagnosis and is important for both patients and their families to feel more confident in the journey ahead.

What is Stage IV Breast Cancer?

Stage IV breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. The most common areas where breast cancer spreads include the bones, liver, lungs, and brain.

Most women are not initially diagnosed at this stage. Less than 10% of new breast cancer diagnoses are stage IV, called de novo metastatic breast cancer.

The majority of women with metastatic breast cancer are diagnosed after an oncology follow-up appointment that includes blood tests and imaging, such as a mammogram, breast MRI, or PET-CT scan. Others are diagnosed when symptoms appear, such as a lump, back pain, difficulty breathing, or another issue related to where the cancer has spread.

Treatment Options for Stage IV Breast Cancer

One key difference between Stage IV breast cancer treatment and treatment for earlier stages is the overall treatment goal. Rather than primarily focusing on curing cancer, care is often more about controlling the progression of the disease and maintaining quality of life for as long as possible. Treatment planning will also consider your overall health condition and your personal preferences.

It’s more common to use systemic therapies for patients with stage IV breast cancer instead of localized treatments like surgery or radiation. That’s because the cancer is not in a single area of the body. Drug therapies travel throughout the body to destroy cancer cells. Your medical oncologist will review the specific type of breast cancer and its genetic characteristics to determine the right combination of drugs, which could include:

• Chemotherapy: These anti-cancer drugs may be recommended for women with hormone receptor-negative cancers. It may be helpful in cases where the cancer is growing quickly or when other treatments have proven ineffective.
• Hormone therapy: Women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancers are often treated first with hormone therapy. Sometimes, it may be used in combination with a targeted drug or immunotherapy.
• Targeted therapy: This type of treatment is used when a genetic change is identified in the cancer cells through biomarker testing. The drugs focus on blocking the genetic mutation, causing the cancer cells to die without affecting nearby healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: These drugs help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Women with triple-negative breast cancer may receive immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy.

Learn more about breast cancer treatments for metastatic breast cancer.

Clinical Trials for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Clinical trials are an important option for many patients with metastatic breast cancer. These studies provide access to emerging therapies, giving patients additional treatment possibilities. Depending on your specific diagnosis, your oncologist may discuss participating in a clinical trial.

Learn more about breast cancer research and clinical trials available through RMBS.

Managing Symptoms and Side Effects of Stage IV Breast Cancer

Living with stage IV breast cancer often means managing both treatment side effects and symptoms caused by cancer spreading to other parts of the body. While the cancer is not usually curable, many people can still stay comfortable and maintain their independence with the right care and symptom management.

Some common symptoms of metastatic breast cancer include:

• Pain, particularly in the bones
• Fatigue
• Nausea

• Shortness of breath

Your care team will help you manage these symptoms. Pain management strategies can include radiation therapy or medications to relieve discomfort. For example, if cancer has spread to the bones, drugs like bisphosphonates or denosumab can strengthen bones and lower the risk of fractures.

Surgery can be performed to remove a tumor that develops in another area of the body, causing discomfort.

Additional supportive care services may include physical therapy to improve strength, balance, and mobility, as well as nutritional guidance to support overall health.

Palliative care is another important component of managing the symptoms and side effects of metastatic breast cancer. With palliative care, the focus is on improving quality of life and supporting your overall well-being while you undergo cancer treatment.

The Power of Emotional and Mental Health Support

A Stage IV breast cancer diagnosis can bring significant emotional challenges. Many patients experience feelings such as anxiety, depression, sadness, fear, or uncertainty about the future. While these feelings are completely normal, it’s much easier to cope when you have adequate support as part of your overall care plan.

At Rocky Mountain Breast Specialists (RMBS), several helpful support resources are available to our patients, including:

• Counseling or oncology social workers
• Support groups
• Family and caregiver support programs
• Mental health professionals experienced in cancer care

Connecting with others who can truly relate to what you’re going through and provide encouragement can be especially meaningful. These resources can also benefit caregivers and family members who play a role in the patient’s cancer care journey.

Living Well with Stage IV Breast Cancer

Although a Stage IV breast cancer diagnosis is serious, many patients lead active and fulfilling lives while managing their condition.

Patients are often encouraged to exercise regularly, stay connected with friends, practice stress management techniques, and continue pursuing personal goals and interests. These activities can help you maintain a sense of normalcy and emotional well-being.

Practical planning can also be beneficial. Some patients find peace of mind by expressing their priorities and personal wishes. It’s important to discuss topics such as advance care planning, financial considerations, or caregiving support with your care team and family members.

How RMBS Supports Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer

At RMBS, patients living with metastatic breast cancer receive personalized care from a compassionate and experienced team of cancer specialists. We carefully create treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific diagnosis, goals, and overall health.

Remember, you are not alone. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, our dedicated team is here to help you manage your cancer with the right treatment plan and supportive care you need.

Request an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Colorado, including the Denver area, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.