and an additional 297,790 women will be newly diagnosed with breast cancer[1].
While only 6% of those newly diagnosed with breast cancer will have #MBC (distant stage breast cancer which has already spread to other parts of the body, most often the bones, lungs, and liver), another 20% to 30% of those originally diagnosed with earlier stage breast will later develop #MBC [2].
so treatment focuses on extending life and maintaining quality of life [3].
due in part to earlier detection and customized treatment plans deploying targeted therapies.
150,000 women were estimated to be living with metastatic breast cancer in 2017 and that number is expected to increase to an estimated 250,000 by 2030 [4].
Metastatic Breast Cancer is now referred to as “Distant Stage” Breast Cancer by the National Cancer Institute [5].
SEER is the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database maintained by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). At the Localized SEER Stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%; for regional, it is 86%; and for distant (where cancer has spread to other parts of the body) is 30% [6].
Each of the colors in the #MetastaticBreastCancer ribbon is used to highlight the uniqueness of the disease and show its commonality with other stage 4 cancers.
Pink signifies that the metastatic cancer originated in the breast.
Teal symbolizes healing and spirituality.
Green represents the triumph of spring over winter, and life over death, and symbolizes renewal, hope, and immortality.
