Metastatic Breast Cancer Prognosis

Breast cancer is a common form of cancer and also considered as a safe cancer. However, it is only safe as long as it limits itself to the breast area only. Metastasis is a condition in which the cancer spreads to other parts of body. Metastatic breast cancer is particularly dangerous if it spreads to vital organs such as liver, kidney, intestine etc. Metastatic breast cancer symptoms may differ from the normal breast cancer symptoms, as other organs are also involved.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Prognosis

There are several factors called as 'prognostic factors' which determine the prognosis for women who suffer from metastatic breast cancer. This prognosis determines the survival rate for the patient. The survival rate is about 82% for women with stage II cancer, while it drops to about 14% for women with stage IV cancer. Read more on breast cancer stages survival rate.

Extent of Metastasis
Prognosis is better when the metastasis is limited only to fewer sites. Thus, woman with the cancer spread to only a few organs has a better prognosis than the one who has large metastasis. Also, the location of the affected organs determines the prognosis. Metastasis to the organs that are closer to breast indicate better prognosis for metastatic breast cancer, than the distant organs.

Type of Affected Organ
The type of affected organ is also important in determining the prognosis. For instance, in case of metastatic breast cancer to liver or kidney, the prognosis is far worse than to the organs that are not a part of viscera. Tissues of chest wall or lymph node indicate better prognosis. Even bone tumors elevate the chances of survival than the tumors on the internal organs. Read more on liver cancer.

Period Between Relapse
Breast cancer has a nasty tendency to surface again and again. The period between the initial breast cancer treatment and the relapse is also an important prognostic factor. The more this period, the better. For instance, a woman who has been cancer free for last two years has better prognosis than the one who only got rid of it a couple of months ago. Recurring cancer indicates a bad prognosis and decreased survival chances.

Hormone Receptors
Certain hormones stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Some cancer cells have hormone receptors, which tell the cells to grow in presence of a particular hormone. Tests can be performed to diagnose if the cancer cells have hormone receptors and if yes, the corresponding hormone is found out. Hormone therapy can be performed to control the levels of this hormone, so that it does not trigger the growth of cancer cells.

HER-2
HER-2 stands for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2. It is a protein and its level is an indication of the activity of cancer cells. High level of HER-2 indicates active and aggressive cancer. This, obviously means a bad prognosis. However, the good news is that this protein responds well to some cancer drugs, which indicates fairly good prognosis.

Metastatic breast cancer prognosis can vary depending upon the individual health of the patient. A bad prognosis need not always indicate that you have little time left. In fact, many patients report a healthy and quality life in spite of having a not-so-good prognosis. Prognosis for metastatic breast cancer is definitely an integral part of cancer treatment, but don't let a bad prognosis affect your spirit to fight cancer.