Advanced Breast Cancer

Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment in India - What If Cancer Has Spread?

Advanced breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver or lungs. This short explains how specialists approach treatment in these cases.

What is advanced breast cancer

• Distant spread. This means cancer cells have travelled from the breast to other parts of the body. It is also known as metastatic or stage 4 breast cancer.
• Common sites. The cancer may spread to the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. The location of the spread affects symptoms and treatment.
• Treatment goals. Treatment aims to control the cancer's growth, manage symptoms, and help you maintain a good quality of life. It is not usually intended to cure the cancer.

How is advanced breast cancer treated

Treatment is usually systemic, meaning it treats the whole body. The choice of therapy depends on the cancer's specific characteristics.

• Systemic therapies. These can include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. They are often used in combination or sequence.
• Local treatments. Radiation or surgery may be used in specific situations. For example, to relieve pain from a tumour in the bone or to treat a small number of metastases.
• Palliative care. This is an important part of treatment. It focuses on relieving symptoms like pain or nausea and improving your overall well-being.
• A team approach. Your care is usually managed by a team of specialists. This includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and palliative care experts.

The right treatment plan is different for every person. A specialist can recommend the best approach for you after a full review of your medical reports and recent scans.