Metastatic Breast Cancer

A man describes his wife’s tireless efforts to advocate for people of color in the metastatic breast cancer field, where many still face disparities within care, inclusion in clinical trials and survival outcomes.

A woman with metastatic breast cancer reflects on her pre-cancer life 20 years ago and how her perspective on the disease has shifted as she’s reached a level of acceptance and hope for the future.

A colleague describes how a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer that later metastasized felt a lack of support and research, leading her to launch support programs for other patients and step into the advocacy field.

A colleague writes about a medical oncologist who has a rare metastatic breast cancer diagnosis but still manages to go above and beyond for her patients while dealing with her own cancer treatments, and how her empathy guides her.

A mother writes about her daughter — a nurse with metastatic breast cancer who passionately cares for patients even while undergoing chemotherapy — and how more treatment options are desperately needed.

As part of its Speaking Out video series, CURE spoke with Dr. Rebecca Moroose, from Orlando Health Cancer Institute, and Dr. Virginia G. Kaklamani, from UT Health San Antonio, about the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and what they mean for patients.

As part of its CURE Speaking Out video series, CURE spoke with Dr. Rebecca Moroose, from Orlando Health Cancer Institute, and Dr. Virginia G. Kaklamani, from UT Health San Antonio, about shared-decision making with the NCCN Guidelines on metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

CURE’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Heroes™ Award Program expresses gratitude to the heroes who impact the lives of patients with metastatic breast cancer.

A woman living with metastatic breast cancer explains why TV commercials depicting carefree, happy people do not reflect the reality of her experience. “My life and the lives of those affected by metastatic breast cancer is anything but normal. Too many of us are dying every day,” she writes.

The panel provides closing thoughts on patient advocacy and advocacy activities.

Julie Larson, LCSW, provides insight into reasons for joining clinical trials, finding trials from peers, and trials for purposes other than cancer treatment.

The panel discusses resources available for locating relevant clinical trials for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Shirley Mertz, MA, JD, provides an overview of clinical trials and how they are conducted.

Sheila McGlown provides insight into the underrepresentation of women of color in clinical trials for breast cancer and discusses reasons for these disparities.

The panel elaborates on the racial disparities in the care of breast cancer and the need for systemic change to address these disparities.

Sheila McGlown identifies the racial disparities that exist in the treatment of breast cancer, particularly those faced by women of color, and discusses reasons why these disparities may exist.

The panel discusses strategies for locating appropriate support groups for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Lisa Laudico provides insight into the value of support groups in metastatic breast cancer.

Julie Larson, LCSW, discusses the concept of self-inventory and questions patients may ask themselves to evaluate their health.

People living with metastatic breast cancer share highlights of their personal self-care strategies.

Julie Larson, LCSW, and a panel of women living with metastatic breast discuss the impact of the disease on mental health and resources to consider as a patient.

I am in awe of what scientists have been able to discover, but we don’t know enough for those 119 women who will die this Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, nor for the 43,881 others who will die before the next Breast Cancer Awareness Month rolls around. We deserve more.

The panel discusses the social impact of metastatic breast cancer diagnosis on the relationships in their lives.

Shirley Mertz, MA, JD, Lisa Laudico, and Sheila McGlown share their stories of being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

A caregiver discusses her wishes for a woman who was recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. “Most of all I wish that time will stand still for her, so that she can crawl into bed with her children and hold them as long as she wants to, feeling their bodies curl into hers as they sleep,” she writes.