While many patients with metastatic breast cancer are living longer, current treatments for metastatic breast cancer are generally not curative. The main treatment goals for metastatic breast cancer are to effectively manage symptoms and optimise quality of life, as well as to prolong survival.
There can be emotional, physical and practical challenges and needs specific to metastatic breast cancer that are important to address. Issues include managing symptoms of metastatic disease and its treatment, adjusting to living with metastatic breast cancer and coping with concerns about facing an uncertain future.
Multidisciplinary care is particularly important for patients with metastatic breast cancer due to their complex management and supportive care needs. Effective, sensitive communication in a culturally safe environment, and a patient-centred individualised approach are key elements of care. These support and empower patients to participate in shared decision-making about treatment and care that is right for them, and help avoid treatments that may not provide meaningful benefits or may cause harm.
The Cancer Australia Statement - Influencing best practice in metastatic breast cancer highlights 10 key appropriate and inappropriate practices as priority areas for in metastatic breast cancer treatment and care.
Download the metastatic breast cancer summary (PDF 616.85 KB)
