Greetings!
Getting the Best Medical Care for Metastatic Breast Cancer
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MBCN President Shirley Mertz
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As patients, we all share one universal characteristic. Breast cancer cells have left our breast(s) and traveled to another site in our body-the very definition of metastatic disease. Beyond that, we are all very unique in our disease status-the site(s) of our metastatic breast cancer, the distinct molecular make-up of our tumor cells, what fuels the cancer cells' growth, our personal genetic makeup and our health status.
These differences are important to patients receiving optimum medical care because they are major factors that inform and guide excellent breast cancer oncologists.
People often ask me "How can I find out about the best treatments for my disease?" My initial response is "What kind of metastatic breast cancer do you have?"
Usually, patients can describe the site (bone, lung, liver, etc.) of their metastatic disease. Surprisingly however, many patients, especially those newly diagnosed, cannot identify their breast cancer subtype. Subtypes are an indication of what is fueling the cancer's growth.
I believe that often this lack of knowing one's subtype is a result of the erroneous perception that breast cancer is one disease. Breast cancer is really several diseases and, an individual's subtype can mutate over time.
Researching or deciding on treatment approaches and options begins with knowing your subtype. An excellent short video to help you expand your knowledge is one by Dr. Eric Winer of the Dana-Farber Institute. Your personal doctor should also explain your subtype to you in language you understand. Never hesitate to ask questions until you are clear about your diagnosis.
Then, armed with your personalized diagnosis, you can learn as much as possible about your subtype, available standard treatment options, and clinical trials for new treatment options. I turn to reputable websites and conferences like MBCN's annual conference, which will be held at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on October 16-17, 2015. I hope to see you there.
Wishing you well every day,
Shirley
