Thursday , March 28 2024

3 Things You Should Know About Metastatic Breast Cancer

By Dr. Dariano, D.O.
In the United States, the CDC reports that over 260,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer annually, and it also affects approximately 2,600 men each year. There are multiple types of breast cancer; importantly, the statistics of survival are increasing, mostly due to patient education and early diagnosis. October 13th is nationally recognized as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which is a progressive form of the disease.
#1 What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer is not a specific type of cancer; it is breast cancer that has metastasized into other areas of the body such as the bones, lymph nodes, lungs, liver or brain. When breast cancer cells divide, invade and proliferate into an area like the lungs, it is not referred to as lung cancer, but rather breast cancer within the lungs. This type of cancer is advanced and usually is at stage IV. It’s estimated that more than 154,000 women in the U.S. have metastatic breast cancer. (1)
#2 Treatment Options
No matter where it has grown within the body, since these are breast cancer cells, it is treated with breast cancer therapies. The type of treatment option an oncologist recommends is determined by the kind of breast cancer that is diagnosed. For example, if it is triple-negative (no receptors), immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy are common forms of treatment. Other types of metastatic breast cancer may be treated with hormone therapy, HER2 targeted therapies, along with various cancer drugs or immunotherapy options.
Treatment guidelines are based on the most recent studies and research provided by the NCI, ASCO and the NCCN, which are all national cancer and oncology-based organizations that regulate and recommend quality, optimal and effective treatment methods. The diagnoses and treatments are based on quality and longevity of life, not cure. However, for many patients, their prognoses has proven to go 5 to 10 years beyond their original diagnoses (1).
Because of the late stage and rapid proliferation, metastatic breast cancer is closely monitored with ongoing blood tests, biopsies and imaging such as CT scans and MRIs.
#3 Diagnosis and Screenings
Mammograms have helped to diagnose breast cancer early and to eliminate metastasizing cancer and deaths; however, not all breast cancer is detected with mammography. Additional symptoms of breast cancer are lumps in the breast or underarm, pain, nipple discharge or a physical change in the appearance of the breast or nipple.
Early diagnosis saves lives, and it is critical for treating any cancer effectively. Regular screenings are imperative, as are self-diagnoses. If you notice any changes, making an appointment with your physician is vital.
Rivers Family Medicine continues to provide their patients with the highest quality of care; they are continually looking for innovative methods of working together with their patients to ensure that they are not only aware of but also involved in the management and improvement of their patient’s health.
Rivers Family Medicine welcomes Dr. Erin Dariano. Dr. Dariano has been practicing Family Medicine in Lima Ohio at Lima Memorial Hospital for the past seven years. Dr. Dariano, D.O, Completed her undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University, and her medical degree at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a board certified D.O., Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Dariano is committed to providing thorough, compassionate, mindful care for her patients.
Steven J. Rivers, M.D.
Dr. Rivers is devoted to providing quality, compassionate, medical care with a focus on preventive medicine. He is aggressive in educating the patient and involving them in the decision making process. Services include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, minor surgical procedures, skin care, and preventive services.
Julio Ugarte M.D.
He thoroughly enjoys partnering with his patients to strive for optimal health and disease prevention. He uses both conventional and functional medicine in his integrated practice.
Patricia L. Cheston, PLC, PAC
She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and a long standing member in the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants. Patricia has practiced Family Medicine, Rural Urgent Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine for over 25 years in Florida.
Erin Darino, D.O.
Rivers Family Medicine welcomes Dr. Erin Dariano. Dr. Dariano has been practicing Family Medicine in Lima Ohio at Lima Memorial Hospital for the past seven years. Dr. Dariano, D.O, Completed her undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University, and her medical degree at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a board certified D.O., Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Dariano is committed to providing thorough, compassionate, mindful care for her patients.
To schedule an appointment with Rivers Family Medicine, please call (352) 205-4302.
Rivers Family Medicine
352-205-4302
www.riversfamilymedicine.com
1503 Buenos Aires Boulevard, Building 110
The Villages, FL 32159
References:
1. Mariotto AB, Etzioni R, Hurlbert M, PenberthyL, Mayer M.
Estimation of the number of women living with metastatic breast
cancer in the United States. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.
26(6):809-815, 2017.

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