"These Myths About Metastatic Breast Cancer Need To Be Debunked" - Lauren Gelman
Although breast cancer awareness has improved among the general population, fewer people are familiar with the realities of a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. This advanced stage of breast cancer means that the cancer has spread beyond the breasts to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, or lymph nodes. “It’s important to reassure patients as much as possible and to dispel preconceived notions,” said Amy Tiersten, MD, professor of medicine, hematology and medical oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and oncological at the breast cancer medical oncology program at the Dubin Breast Center at The Mount Sinai Hospital. Thanks to improved treatment options, Dr. Tiersten said you can think of metastatic breast cancer more like a chronic disease, like diabetes. It can’t be cured, and it requires ongoing management, testing, and making adjustments to medication regimens. “It’s not true in every single case, but many patients with metastatic breast cancer can live good quantity and quality of lives,” said Dr. Tiersten.
- Amy Tiersten, MD, Professor, Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Oncologist, Breast Cancer Medical Oncology Program, Dubin Breast Center, The Mount Sinai Hospital