October 13 - Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2019

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed annually on October 13 to spread awareness related to Metastatic Breast Cancer.

October 13 - Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2019
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2019

Metastatic breast cancer awareness day 2019

What is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day?

National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is annually observed on October 13th during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The prime objective of National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is to shift the focus of the breast cancer movement onto several patients living with metastatic breast cancer. There are numerous individuals, who don’t realize the actual fact that breast cancer itself does not become deadly until it metastasizes — or spreads outside of the breasts. Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) is not a specific type of breast cancer, but rather the most advanced stage.

 

"Only 2% to 5% of all breast-cancer funds raised go toward researching treatments for metastatic breast cancer—the only kind of breast cancer that kills"

 

What is Metastatic Breast Cancer? 

Metastatic Breast Cancer, which is also known as Stage IV is cancer that has spread outside of the breast to other organs such as bones, liver, lung or brain. This process is called metastasis.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2019

3 Self-exam Tips for Metastatic Breast Cancer

  1. Check physical changes

It's your body — don't be shy! Place your right hand above your head and use small circular motions to check for lumps.

  1. Check visual changes

Look in the mirror for lumps or discoloration.

  1. Make it a routine

Health officials recommend completing a self-exam once a month. This keeps you in the habit of checking and familiarizes yourself with how to do it.

 

"Yes, men do get breast cancer and they are often misdiagnosed initially. They represent about 1% of the new cases of breast cancer and 1% of the deaths from metastatic breast cancer"

 

The treatments to consider for metastatic breast cancer may include the following points:

  • You can consider hormone therapy if the type of cancer is hormone-receptor positive.
  • Drugs such as Herceptin, if the cancer is HER2-positive.
  • The patient can opt for chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink or slow the growth of the tumor or to relieve symptoms caused by the cancer.

 

"To better understand the disease is a vital first step to developing better treatments in the future"

 

How to Observe Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

  • Learn something new about Metastatic Breast Cancer
  • Contribute to the cure
  • Spread the love

Also Read - Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019

Why Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is Important

  • It's a misunderstood topic
  • It drives new research
  • It builds support groups