What is the First Red Flag of Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Understand the red flags of metastatic breast cancer. This guide includes all the information you need to know about metastatic breast cancer.

In women, breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Early symptom detection leads to early treatment. Then the chances of survival improve significantly.

Metastasis is one of the most concerning developments in breast cancer because in this cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body.

When You Need Medical Attention?

Signs and Symptoms Of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Understand when you need a professional’s attention with these signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer:

Intolerable Bone Pain

The primary early warning sign of metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer frequently spreads to the bones. This leads to pain that lasts long and you are not relieved by rest or any pain relief. You can feel this pain deep within the bones, which may occur in the spine, ribs, hips or other parts of the body.

Short Breath

Symptoms such as shortness of breath can be seen when metastatic breast cancer spreads to the lungs. If you have difficulty breathing or find yourself increasingly breathless after minimal body efforts or exercise, consult your doctor.

Liver Pain or Swelling

Metastatic breast cancer can spread to the liver and it is common. In the upper right side of your abdomen if you notice swelling or experience abdominal pain, visit your doctor. Liver involvement another symptom can be jaundice as well.

Fatigue or Weight Loss

Losing weight without even dieting or experiencing fatigue which is not improving with rest, consult a doctor.

Neurological Symptoms

When metastatic breast cancer spreads to the brain you will experience various symptoms. Symptoms like headaches, seizures, weakness, difficulty speaking, changes in vision or confusion. If you notice unusual neurological symptoms then visit your doctor immediately.

If you have a history of breast cancer then it is very important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible if these symptoms are noticeable in your body.

Treatment

Metastatic breast cancer is also known as stage four cancer so it is difficult to treat it completely. Although it is difficult to treat, some treatments can control the disease or relieve the symptoms. This will improve the quality of your life.

• Systemic Therapies: These therapies mainly target cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: These therapies identify or attack certain types of cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: It is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy either kills the cells or stops them from dividing.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy or hormonal therapy includes the use of hormones in treatment.

Once cancer cells spread all over the body it is not possible to remove all of them. It is important to identify the symptoms and visit a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection will lead to early treatment.

Can You Put a Stop To Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Although you cannot put a stop to or completely cure metastatic breast cancer treatment can slow it down. Your act of doing something or not doing anything at all cannot become the reason for metastatic breast cancer. It may be caused because some cancerous cells survived treatment and spread through your bloodstream.

How Can I Lower My Risk Of Metastatic Breast Cancer?

A permanent cure to metastatic breast cancer is not in your hand but at least you can lower your risks. Follow these tips to lower the risk of metastatic breast cancer:

• Adopt healthy lifestyle changes such as physical activities or exercises.
• Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet.
• Prohibit the intake of alcohol or smoking.
• Have a maintained sleep schedule. Your daily 7-8 hours of night sleep is important.
• Regular check-ups will help in detecting the symptoms and your doctor will provide you with the best treatment.
• Do not miss follow-up appointments. Even if your treatment is going on and doing well do not avoid follow-up appointments with your doctor. You cannot detect what your doctor can do with specialized care.

Conclusion

You are now aware of the red flags of metastatic breast cancer. Do not worry or lose hope even if this cancer has not got a permanent cure. Treatment can slow down the symptoms and you can live a quality of life while having treatment of metastatic breast cancer. There is always a way, remember that and move forward with a strong will to live.

Ask your doctor about treatments they can provide. Breast oncoplasty may be suggested in some cases depending on the symptoms your doctor has seen or noticed. As mentioned above do not miss follow-up appointments or ignore doctor’s calls. Prepare yourself by adopting healthy practices and working on yourself. Your body is all you have so try to give your body everything possible you can.