What is metastatic breast cancer? How does it spread? What happens after diagnosis?

In this episode, Breast Cancer Now nurse Catherine Priestley joins Laura for an informative chat about metastatic, or secondary, breast cancer. They discuss the signs and symptoms to look out for, and explain how and where it can spread around the body.

Laura shares her own experience of a incurable breast cancer, including scan anxiety and the ways she's learned to live with it. She discusses with Catherine the importance of peer support and holding on to hope while living with uncertainty.

They also explain how Breast Cancer Now’s nurses and support services can help people living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as their friends and families.

Read more information about metastatic breast cancer.
You can call the Breast Cancer Now helpline on 0808 800 6000.
Ask our nurses a question.
Talk to someone like you.
Find group support for people with metastatic breast cancer.

Support for parents with cancer from Fruitfly Collective.
Listen to Caroline Leek on parenting with cancer.
Listen to Caroline Leek on talking with children about death and grief.

Support for people with metastatic cancer from Make 2nds Count.
Listen to Claire from Make 2nds Count.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Key topics:
2:16 What is metastatic breast cancer?
3:13 How does breast cancer spread to other parts of the body?
6:16 What does 'terminal' mean?
8:02 What does 'de novo' mean?
11:05 The signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer
21:54 How to get any concerns you have checked out
24:58 I've been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. What now?
27:39 Finding hope with a metastatic cancer diagnosis
29:06 Coping with the emotional impact of a metastatic diagnosis
38:03 How long am I going to live?
42:39 Planning your life with metastatic breast cancer
44:20 Treatments for metastatic breast cancer
44:55 Treatment for ER+ metastatic breast cancer
47:03 Treatment for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer
48:08 Treatment for triple negative metastatic breast cancer
49:16 What is disease progression?
50:13 Coping with scanxiety, the worry before a scan
53:57 Clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer
58:00 What happens when treatment options run out?
1:01:44 Financial support
1:03:59 Further support for anyone affected by metastatic breast cancer

In this episode Laura speaks to Dani Binnington about the often overlooked impact of a cancer-induced menopause. They are also joined by Breast Cancer Now nurse Louise Grimsdell.

They discuss their experiences of the menopause, and many symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, low libido, fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, depression, and weight gain, and the profound impact these symptoms can have on quality of life. They talk about practical ways to manage the symptoms and the importance of seeking support from healthcare professionals rather than suffering in silence.

Laura, Dani and Lou talk about how significantly the menopause, especially after cancer, can affect so many aspects of life, and where to find support.

Find Dani's organisation Menopause and cancer and @menopause_and_cancer

Key Topics
03:35 Dani's diagnosis
07:11 What is menopause?
08:10 Dani's experience of menopause
13:07 Laura's experience of menopause
17:12 Dani on the NFP Menopause and cancer
22:45 The ultimate goal
25:17 Laura on the importance of acknowledging how the menopause affects you
29:15 The most asked menopause questions
34:27 What are hot flushes, and what can be done about them?
43:04 The effect on menopause on sex and intimacy
55:55 Dating and the menopause
01:02:00 Affects on fertility
01:08:55 Mental health
01:13:35 Services of menopause and cancer
01:14:35 The impact of exercise on symptoms of menopause
01:21:14 Nutrition and diet
01:25:15 Weight gain through menopause and cancer treatment
01:28:11 Where to find support and resources