Living with secondary breast cancer

The short version

  • Secondary breast cancer (also called metastatic, advanced or stage 4 breast cancer) is when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs or brain.1
  • It can’t usually be cured, but it can be treated, often for a long time. Treatment aims to control the cancer, ease symptoms and help you live as well as possible.
  • Staying active, eating well, managing symptoms and getting support early, including palliative care, can all help your quality of life.2, 3

Living well with secondary breast cancer

Everyone’s experience is different. Many people live with secondary breast cancer for years, with treatments changing over time. These pages cover what you can do to feel as well as possible alongside your treatment.

Your care team

You may have a clinical nurse specialist for secondary breast cancer, as well as your oncologist. Ask who your main contact is, and keep their number, and your 24-hour treatment helpline, somewhere easy to find. See your care team.

Getting support

  • Breast Cancer Now helpline: free on 0808 800 6000, answered by breast care nurses and trained staff.4
  • Living with Secondary Breast Cancer: free monthly groups from Breast Cancer Now, online and in person, led by trained counsellors.4
  • Marie Curie support line: 0800 090 2309.5

See all support services for secondary breast cancer.

If you’ve just been told

Hearing that breast cancer has spread can be very hard, whether it’s a new diagnosis or the cancer has come back. It’s normal to feel shocked, frightened or numb. Take your time, ask your team to explain things again if you need to, and lean on the people and services around you.

Everyone’s treatment is different, so talk to your cancer team about what is right for you.

References

  1. Macmillan Cancer Support. Staging and grading of breast cancer. www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/breast-cancer/staging-and-grading-of-breast-cancer
  2. Campbell KL, Cormie P, Weller S, et al. Exercise recommendation for people with bone metastases: expert consensus for health care providers and exercise professionals. JCO Oncology Practice. 2022;18(5). napier-repository.worktribe.com/output/2839264/exercise-recommendation-for-people-with-bone-metastases-expert-consensus-for-health-care-providers-and-exercise-professionals
  3. Marie Curie. What is palliative and end of life care? www.mariecurie.org.uk/globalassets/media/documents/policy/what-is-palliative-and-end-of-life-care.pdf
  4. Breast Cancer Now. Support for you: secondary breast cancer (leaflet). breastcancernow.org/media-assets/4xibp3mc/support_for_you_sbc_leaflet.pdf
  5. NHS 111 Wales. Marie Curie (local service listing). 111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/viewlocalservice.aspx?id=801