Wednesday, October 13th, 2021 is recognized as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and a day that focuses on the more than 271,000 Americans who are suffering with this type of cancer. It is a time for learning more about the disease and communicating what those individuals suffering with it are up against as well as how we as a society can help. Fortunately, treatment modalities for breast cancer improve each year.
What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
When an early-stage breast cancer metastasizes or spreads to other organs in the body it is commonly referred to as metastatic breast cancer and is diagnosed as Stage IV cancer. At this point, treating the advanced form of the cancer as well as its side effects is the only care or treatment option for the patient. Unfortunately, a cure for metastatic breast cancer has yet to be found.
What Treatment Options are available?
Treatment options typically involve chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical procedures. However, clinical trials of newer drugs may also be an option pending patient approval. Along with palliative care, these options can help to improve the patient’s quality of life and possibly extend their lifespan as well. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day provides an opportunity to build awareness about fighting for scientific advances.
History Notes
The House and Senate passed legislation in 2009 that devoted one day in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The proposal for this legislation reached Congress in interesting fashion when 9 MBC patients and their families demonstrated and picketed in Washington, D.C. With the help of many supporters in Poughkeepsie, NY (including the mayor of the city), Congress passed legislation declaring October 13th as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
Diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer
When determining the type of diagnostic tests to perform, a doctor may consider your medical history, physical exam, symptoms, and where the breast cancer is located in your body. Diagnostic imaging options may include:
- Bone scan – checks for the spread of cancer into the bones
- CT scan (computed tomography scan) – examines for tumors in organs located outside the breasts
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – can measure the size of any existing tumors
- PET scan (positron emission tomography scan) – checks for the spread of cancer (outside the breasts) to other organs
- X-rays – looks for cancer that has spread to the lungs
For additional information, call Vital Imaging at 305-596-9992 today. To know about the wide array of diagnostic imaging options we offer, please call our customer care executives today.