Advanced breast cancer community advocates for more support

Posted: Monday, January 14, 2013 12:00 am | Updated: 2:32 am, Mon Jan 21, 2013.

(BPT) - A breast cancer diagnosis at any stage can be devastating. However, women with advanced breast cancer are also faced with the overwhelming reality that they must begin additional therapy, or that they will receive treatment for the remainder of their lives. There are an estimated 150,000 women in the United States living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Stage III locally advanced breast cancer and stage IV metastatic breast cancer – collectively referred to as advanced breast cancer - are the most progressed forms of the illness.

In a society that has built a culture of breast cancer support around pink and “survivors,” this view is not always embraced by women with advanced breast cancer. Similarly, patients whose breast cancer has metastasized often struggle with feelings of guilt and confusion over why their cancer has progressed, even when they tried to do everything right. This, unfortunately, has caused many with the disease to feel isolated and alone.