While Blacks aren’t more at risk for breast cancer, they have a higher propensity for more advanced forms of the disease. That includes metastatic breast cancer, where the tumors spread throughout the body. Studies also show that Black people can have higher rates of progression in the disease that leads to more complicated outcomes. The best way to curb this from happening is to know how to identify the early signs that your cancer is spreading.
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Metastatic or advanced breast cancer describes a stage where the tumor starts to spread to other parts of the body.
As such, the signs you might notice will depend on where the tumors are affecting.
If you’re having headaches all the time that you can’t explain, that’s typically a sign that your cancer has spread to your brain. While it’s not the first place that could be affected, up to 15% of people who develop metastatic breast cancer will experience it.
Studies also show that this progression is more likely for people with the triple-negative or HER-2 positive forms of the disease. Other signs to look out for include seizures, double vision, vomiting, difficulty speaking, and changes in personality.
This sign usually points to issues with your bones and studies show that it happens with about 50% of people with metastatic breast cancer.
The areas most likely to be affected include the ribs, spine, pelvis, arms, and legs.
Other signs you should know are constipation, the inability to move certain joints, numbness in the limbs, decreased alertness, fatigue, weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, and dehydration.
People who are experiencing this sign may find that the tumors have spread to their lungs. These cases don’t always have symptoms though so it’s recommended that you talk to your doctor about regular chest X-rays.
Other signs to look out for include
chest pain, wheezing, discomfort in the lungs, a persistent cough, and coughing up mucus or blood.
If you notice yellowing in your eyes, it’s possible that the tumors are now affecting your liver. This is another progression that doesn’t always have symptoms so it’s good to talk to your doctor about scheduled liver function tests. Other signs of note include abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, fever, bloating, swollen limbs, and unexplained weight loss.
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Once your doctor suspects that you have metastatic breast cancer, they will conduct different tests to determine what’s going on. These tests include ultrasounds, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, blood studies, and breast biopsies.
After getting a positive result, then your doctor will decide on a treatment program based on the location and size of the tumors.
Typically, the options include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. In some cases, you may qualify for admission into a clinical trial, where you’ll get access to new types of treatment.
While following your doctor’s recommended course of treatment, it’s also important to have a holistic approach to your health. It’s a good idea to speak with a nutritionist to determine the right diet for you to keep you healthy and help you to deal with any side effects from the treatments.
Exercise might not be easy but you can consult with your doctor about what you’re likely able to manage. Even some light physical activity can boost your body’s response.
Additionally, it’s typical to feel some anxiety or depression after a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. That’s why it’s vital to get emotional assistance where you need it. You may reach out to a therapist or your loved ones but local support groups are a great option as well.
When it comes to Blacks, breast cancer can progress more quickly than other ethnicities. If you keep your eye open for the early symptoms, though, you and your doctor can tackle the disease as quickly as possible. Doing that will drastically increase your chances of getting healthy again.
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