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METASTATIC BREAST CANCER LIFE EXPECTANCY AND PROGNOSIS

Dr. P. Raghu Ram, Friday, November 8, 2019

What is metastatic breast cancer?

Metastatic breast cancer is stage 4 breast cancer which has spread to other parts of the body, or nearby tissues and is in a very advanced state. If a person is diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer it means that cancer has spread to the bones, lungs or liver and is continuing to attack all the other organs and may even reach the brain.

The life expectancy of a person with metastatic brain cancer depends on several factors such as the age of the person, the area where cancer has spread and its effects on the vital organs such as kidneys, bones, response to the treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Any other underlying condition such as heart disease which may worsen the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer. The survival rate of the patient depends on the general health condition, the type of treatment the person receives and his response to the same. The American cancer society has reported the five-year survival rate of patients with metastatic breast cancer at 22%. Stage 1 patients may survive their cancers to the stage of 90%; stage 2 patients survive 72% in the first five years and stage 3 cancer patients about 60 to 65% depending upon the above-mentioned factors. If the person is a smoker or abused alcohol the survival rates may differ. Recent studies have established that

  • Women with metastatic breast cancer who are in high-income bracket survive their breast cancer better compared to women of lower income group due to better access to treatment.
  • The survival rates have shown significant improvement in the last 10 years due to advanced treatment methodologies evolved out of cancer research.
  • There is a decline in the death rate for women below 50 years who have suffered breast cancer.


Prognosis or outlook:

Metastatic breast cancer has no cure but can be treated to provide symptomatic relief and improve the survival rate of the patient. The treatment varies from person to person based factors such as age, general health condition and overall receptivity to the treatment. National Breast cancer foundation has stated that the survival rates depend on the malignancy at stage 4. The main aim of the treatment is to improve the quality of life and increase the life expectancy of the patient year on year. The early the diagnosis the better the survival rates.

KIMS is the best breast cancer centre in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. KIMS hospital, Secunderabad has the top most breast cancer specialists in Hyderabad having vast experience in treating metastatic breast cancer. Stage 4 cancer treatments require specialized care and treatment which may involve advanced techniques which KIMS offers readily. There are many satisfied patients whose quality of life has improved after taking treatment at KIMS. KIMS understands the condition of the patient and his or her immediate family members and treats its patient with empathy, care and instills a sense of confidence to fight cancer and survive it that is the difference we make.

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