Stage IV Advanced (Metastatic) Breast Cancer

Stage IV advanced breast cancer has spread (metastasized) beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, most commonly to the bones, liver, and lungs. It may also spread to the brain or other organs.

For women with stage IV breast cancer, systemic drug therapies are the main treatments. Treatment can often shrink tumors (or slow their growth), improve symptoms, and help some women live longer. These may include:

Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapies
Immunotherapy
Some combination of these

Surgery and/or radiation therapy may be useful in certain situations.

Although stage IV breast cancer is not curable, it is usually treatable and current advances in research and medical technology mean that more and more women are living longer by managing the disease as a chronic illness with a focus on quality of life as a primary goal.

Resources & Support

Nurse Navigator

Your care team will include a nurse navigator who specializes in helping patients with breast cancer. They will work with your providers to help you find the best care plan and to help improve your quality of life. This knowledgeable, compassionate professional:

Answers questions
Offers advocacy, education and support to you and your loved ones
Helps you access treatments and local resources

Call 310-784-6335 to speak with a Breast Nurse Navigator.

Community Resources

Download this comprehensive list of community resources put together by our nurse navigators. Find topics on stage IV breast cancer, fertility, additional language support and more.

Download Community Resources List [PDF]