Living well with metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer can be a confronting diagnosis. While life expectancy after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is individual, research shows that people are now living longer after diagnosis.¹ With some women anecdotally reporting that they are thriving with metastatic breast cancer, living lives that are active and fulfilling.

A 2022 Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) report gives a conservative estimate of there being 10,500 Australians living with metastatic breast cancer in 2020.^2,3 This figure is estimated to increase to ~12,840 by 2025.^3,4

Metastatic breast cancer (also referred to as advanced, secondary or stage IV breast cancer) refers to cancer that has spread beyond the original location (the breast) to other parts of the body. The process of spreading to a new location is known as metastasis.⁵

The aims of treatment for metastatic breast cancer:

• control growth and spread of cancer
• effective symptom management
• improve or maintain quality-of-life.

Treatments options will depend on both the likely outcome of controlling the cancer and the side effects you can cope with.

Options may include one or more of the following:^5,6

• hormonal therapy
• chemotherapy
• radiation treatment
• targeted therapy
• immunotherapy
• surgery.

Depending on the type and progression of your disease you may also be offered supportive care measures such as palliative care to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality-of-life.⁶

There are also sometimes options of clinical trials, your care team will discuss this with you if something is available.

Processing a metastatic diagnosis takes time, and it’s important to be gentle with yourself. Taking care of your physical and emotional wellbeing may help give you a sense of control.

Living well means different things to different people, but to most it involves managing symptoms and side effects as best you can, and aiming to:

• increase energy levels
• reduce fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting
• aid digestion
• improve sleep
• improve strength and flexibility
• reduce joint pain.

Physical care includes:

• healthy diet: eating a variety of foods rich in vitamins and nutrients including:
  • fruits and vegetables
  • whole grains: wholewheat, brown rice, wheatgerm, quinoa, oatmeal
  • legumes: chickpeas, lentils, beans
  • protein: meat, fish, chicken, eggs, nuts and seeds
• good hydration: ensuring you are consuming 2 litres filtered water per day (more on hot days)
• regular exercise to your ability: Walking, swimming, gardening are great options as they get you outside – also good for your emotional wellbeing and can help manage symptoms and side effects
• good sleep hygiene

There is no ‘one rule’ to managing emotions, and what you need one day may change by the next day. Learning to listen to yourself is an important part of looking after your emotional wellbeing.

What emotional wellbeing may look like for you:

• asking for help. Sharing concerns with your care team, family, friends, others with the same condition, counsellors, integrative medicine practitioners, or spiritual leaders
• taking time to yourself to do what you want to do – write yourself a list of all things – big and small – so you can pull on some inspiration when you need it
• journalling
• meditation
• resting
• saying no – you and your needs come first, and that is OK.

• Cancer Council support line: 13 11 20
• BCNA’s Hopes and Hurdles: www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/hope-hurdles/
• BCNA’s online community: onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au 
• McGrath Foundation: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
• Breast Cancer Trials: www.breastcancertrials.org.au
• Cancer Australia: www.canceraustralia.gov.au
• National Breast Cancer Foundation: nbcf.org.au
• Think Pink Foundation: www.thinkpink.org.au

Also take a look on Facebook and Instagram for local communities near you.