How long after breast cancer diagnosis does treatment start?

Waiting between 31 and 90 days to first treatment after diagnosis with breast cancer may be beneficial for doctors and patients who want a more extensive diagnostic plan and additional time to make decisions, according to the results of a new study.

Why is there no cure for metastatic breast cancer?

There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer. Once the cancer cells have spread to another distant area of the body, it’s impossible to get rid of them all. However, the right treatment plan can help extend your life and improve its quality.

What happens first after breast cancer diagnosis?

The first step is diagnostic testing. This can be a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or other testing. A diagnostic mammogram looks at multiple views of the suspicious area and may include magnified views.

Can you cure metastatic breast cancer?

While there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, there are treatment options available that can extend a patient’s life, while maintaining quality of life.

Why does it take so long to start cancer treatment?

Some patients can wait a few weeks or a few months to start treatment because their type of cancer does not tend to grow as fast as others. When treatment doesn’t need to start immediately, it might be delayed if: You are waiting to get lab results back that will help decide what treatment option is best.

What is first line treatment for metastatic breast cancer?

Hormonal therapy is considered the standard initial treatment for HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer that is also hormone receptor-positive, and is often given in combination with targeted therapy. However, chemotherapy may also be given. A clinical trial may also be an option for treatment at any stage.

What happens after a positive breast cancer diagnosis?

Once your doctor has diagnosed your breast cancer, he or she works to establish the extent (stage) of your cancer. Your cancer’s stage helps determine your prognosis and the best treatment options. Complete information about your cancer’s stage may not be available until after you undergo breast cancer surgery.

How does breast cancer cause death?

The most common cause of death was metastatic disease to various organs, accounting for 42\% of all deaths. Infection was the second most common cause of death; however, only 27\% of the patients with infection had significant neutropenia. In patients dying of hemorrhage, only 9\% were thrombocytopenic.

How long does it take for breast cancer to metastasis?

According to the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center at Providence Portland Medical Center, breast cancer cells need to divide at least 30 times before they are detectable by physical exam. Each division takes about 1 to 2 months, so a detectable tumor has likely been growing in the body for 2 to 5 years.

What happens after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis?

As time passes after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, many people find their lives falling into a pattern of “treat, scan, repeat.” A treatment plan works for a while and imaging scans look good — until suddenly they don’t. Then you and your doctor work together to come up with a new plan, and the pattern starts all over again.

Is metastatic breast cancer curable?

Myth #1: Metastatic breast cancer is curable. Whether metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is someone’s first diagnosis or a recurrence after treatment for earlier-stage breast cancer, it can’t be cured. However, treatments can keep it under control, often for months at a time.

What are the myths and misconceptions about metastatic breast cancer?

Myths and Misconceptions About Metastatic Breast Cancer 1 Metastatic breast cancer is curable. 2 People with metastatic breast cancer have a short amount of time left. 3 People with metastatic breast cancer look sick and lose their hair. 4 Metastatic breast cancer requires more aggressive treatment than earlier-stage breast cancer.

Does metastatic breast cancer require more aggressive treatment?

Myth #4: Metastatic breast cancer requires more aggressive treatment than earlier-stage breast cancer. Related to myth #3 is the notion that because MBC is advanced cancer, doctors have to pull out all the stops to fight it.