What is metastatic breast cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as advanced or stage IV, is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. The common places for breast cancer to spread are the bones, lungs, liver, and brain.
Treatment of metastatic breast cancer depends on several factors, including prior treatment history, menopausal status, HR and HER2 status, and where the cancer has spread.
HER2=human epidermal growth factor receptor 2; HR=hormone receptor.
Facts about metastatic breast cancer
20% to 30% of people diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will develop metastatic breast cancer
Metastatic breast cancer can occur any number of years after an initial diagnosis of early breast cancer, even after treatment and regular follow-up visits with your doctor
An estimated 155,000 Americans are currently living with metastatic breast cancer
People of all ages, both men and women, can be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
About 6% to 10% of metastatic breast cancer patients are diagnosed with MBC as their first breast cancer diagnosis. This is called de novo metastatic breast cancer
There’s more than one type of metastatic breast cancer. HR+, HER2– is the most common subtype of metastatic breast cancer, representing roughly 70% of all cases
HER2–=human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative; HR+=hormone receptor positive.