“ 10 YEARS AFTER MY PRIMARY BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS , I WAS FINALLY TOLD THE CANCER HAD SPREAD TO MY BONES ”
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After an audit at the end of 2022 , it ’ s now estimated that over 61,000 people are living with metastatic ( secondary ) breast cancer in the UK . This is a huge increase on the previous estimate of 35,000 .
But as a busy healthcare professional , you might only see a few cases of metastatic breast cancer in your career . Add to that the fact that information and support services are often focused on primary breast cancer , and metastatic cases can sometimes be missed .
At Breast Cancer Now , we ’ re determined to improve treatment , care and services for people living with metastatic breast cancer – now and in the future . We ’ re committed to working with healthcare professionals like you , so that anyone diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can get the support they need as quickly as possible .
Supporting you to spot the signs Nearly 1 in 4 people with metastatic breast cancer visit their GP 3 or more times before they ’ re diagnosed . And around 20 % are treated for another condition first *. A prompt diagnosis can dramatically improve your patient ’ s quality of life . That ’ s why we want to help you spot the disease earlier .
Information for you We have a range of trusted , peerreviewed health information available for free in print and online . Our resources can help you and any patients with a history of breast cancer feel more confident in spotting metastatic breast cancer .
Visit our web page to find out more at breastcancernow . org / SBCsupport
Tailored support for your patients Whatever your patients are going through , we ’ re here for them . We offer a range of free support services for people with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis , with online , phone and face-to-face options .
• Our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer group sessions are facilitated by qualified counsellors . They offer tailored support and information , and the chance for patients to share what ’ s on their mind with other people who understand what they ’ re going through .
• Younger Women with Secondaries Together gives patients the chance to meet other women under 45 with secondary breast cancer . Taking place in online sessions over 4 weeks younger women can talk about what ’ s on their mind in a safe and welcoming space . We also host a Younger Women with Secondaries Together residential event every year .
• For any questions or worries about metastatic breast cancer , we have our free helpline and Ask Our Nurses service . No question is too big or too small , and all calls and messages are answered by breast care nurses and specially trained staff .
Find out more about our health information and support services at breastcancernow . org / SBCsupport
Possible signs of metastatic breast cancer include :
“ If I ’ d had the right scan at the time , the tumour would have been significantly smaller and I would have started treatment nine months sooner .”
Laura , living with metastatic breast cancer
Unexpected weight loss and loss of appetite
Severe or ongoing headaches Altered vision or speech
Loss of balance or any weakness or numbness to the limbs
Any lumps or swelling under the arm , breastbone or collarbone
Feeling full quickly when eating
Discomfort or swelling under the ribs or across the upper abdomen
A dry cough or feeling out of breath Feeling sick most of the time Feeling much more tired than usual
Pain in the bones , for example in the back , hips or ribs , that doesn ’ t get better with pain relief and may be worse at night
Breast Cancer Now is a charity registered in England and Wales ( 1160558 ), Scotland ( SC045584 ), and the Isle of Man ( 1200 ). * Findings from our 2019 survey of 2,000 people living with metastatic breast cancer .