Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Stage 4

Characteristic

-       The cancer has spread to other organs of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or the brain.

Signs/Symptoms

-       Depending on the area of spread, symptoms can include persistent back, bone or join pain, headaches, chronic cough, chest pain and bloating or pain in the belly area.

-       Systemic symptoms like rapid weight loss and shortness of breath can also occur.

Treatment options

-       Surgery, radiation, or both may be used on the breast or other sites, depending on many individual factors.

-       Hormonal therapy and targeted therapy may be used.

-       Treatment to relieve symptoms like pain and vomiting may be prescribed.

-       Palliative care.