What is MBC?

Metastatic breast cancer is also referred to as stage 4 breast cancer and advanced breast cancer. The word “metastatic” refers to cancer that has spread beyond the part of the body where it started. In comparison, the term “localized” means the cancer is contained to its primary site.

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What is metastatic breast cancer?

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread. In the case of metastatic breast cancer, the cancer originated in breast tissue, then spread to other parts of the body.

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Metastatic cancer is typically described based on how far it’s spread from the original cancer site:

Regional metastatic breast cancer means the original tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes (often the axillary lymph nodes, but sometimes internal mammary lymph nodes and supraclavicular lymph nodes).

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Distant metastatic breast cancer refers to breast cancer that has spread to distant locations or metastatic sites, including the bones, lungs, liver and brain, although it’s possible for breast cancer to metastasize to the skin or other parts of the body.

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It’s important to remember that every cancer is unique and that each patient’s experience may not necessarily be the same as that of another breast cancer patient. With a personalized treatment plan, metastatic breast cancer is typically treatable. A National Cancer Institute (NCI) study found that the number of U.S. women living longer with distant metastatic breast cancer is growing, thanks to advances in treatments.