Despite many advances in breast cancer treatment in the past few decades, which have prolonged life expectancy and improved the quality of life of those with the condition, the disease remains incredibly common, with rising rates of diagnosis among young women.
And even with a focus on early detection, “nearly 30 percent of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will see their disease metastasize and spread to other organs,“according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. That means the cancer cells which originated in the breast can spread to the lungs, bones and brain, a much more severe diagnosis.
From useful questions and terms to arm yourself with when headed into a potentially daunting conversation with a doctor, to powerful interviews with moms who are parenting through their treatment for metastatic cancer, PEOPLE and Verywell Health’s People Like Us condition center is designed to equip you with information, insight and hope.
Philecia La’Bounty, who shared her story with PEOPLE about discovering metastatic breast cancer after having multiple mammograms denied, gives us insight into how being vocal about her condition has had far-reaching impact.
Making an ImpactPhilecia La’Bounty on the Impact Sharing Her Breast Cancer Journey Has Had on Others: ‘They Are So Grateful’
Making an Impact
Philecia La’Bounty on the Impact Sharing Her Breast Cancer Journey Has Had on Others: ‘They Are So Grateful’
What to know about metastatic breast cancer, right now.
A Guide to Common Terms and Helpful Questions to Ask at Your Breast Cancer AppointmentWhen Cancer Spreads: What to Know About Metastatic Breast CancerWhat Are the First Signs of Metastatic Breast Cancer?Where Does Breast Cancer Most Commonly Spread?
A Guide to Common Terms and Helpful Questions to Ask at Your Breast Cancer Appointment
When Cancer Spreads: What to Know About Metastatic Breast Cancer
What Are the First Signs of Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Where Does Breast Cancer Most Commonly Spread?
Stephanie Seban spoke to PEOPLE about her own metastatic misdiagnosis — and shares how advocating for her health has extended her prognosis for years.
Woman Who Received a ‘36 Month Expiration Date’ Cancer Diagnosis 14 Years Ago Now Focuses on Plans for the Future
Late last year,Real Housewives of Miamistar Guerdy Abraira underwent her second surgery for breast cancer, and shared how she’s doing.
Undergoing Treatment in the SpotlightGuerdy Abraira Opens Up About Her Recent Breast Cancer Surgery: ‘I’m Guerdy 2.0.—I’m On the Other Side’
Undergoing Treatment in the Spotlight
Guerdy Abraira Opens Up About Her Recent Breast Cancer Surgery: ‘I’m Guerdy 2.0.—I’m On the Other Side’
Read inspiring, moving stories from women across the country who are undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer, while parenting at the same time.
Parenting with Metastatic Breast CancerDiagnosed with Breast Cancer while Pregnant, One Mom Was Told She Had Months to Live. Now, ‘I’m Thriving’How This Mom of 3 Prioritizes Self-Care While Treating Breast Cancer: ‘I’m Trying to Be Here as Long As I Can’Mom with Metastatic Cancer on the Philosophy That Gets Her Through: ‘People All Have Difficulties. Mine Happens to Be Cancer’
Parenting with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer while Pregnant, One Mom Was Told She Had Months to Live. Now, ‘I’m Thriving’How This Mom of 3 Prioritizes Self-Care While Treating Breast Cancer: ‘I’m Trying to Be Here as Long As I Can’Mom with Metastatic Cancer on the Philosophy That Gets Her Through: ‘People All Have Difficulties. Mine Happens to Be Cancer’
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer while Pregnant, One Mom Was Told She Had Months to Live. Now, ‘I’m Thriving’
How This Mom of 3 Prioritizes Self-Care While Treating Breast Cancer: ‘I’m Trying to Be Here as Long As I Can’
Mom with Metastatic Cancer on the Philosophy That Gets Her Through: ‘People All Have Difficulties. Mine Happens to Be Cancer’
Another mom undergoing breast cancer shares her real-life insight as to what’s been helpful to her and her family, for those looking to support a loved one through their treatment.
How to HelpHow to Best Help a Friend Going Through Cancer Treatment, According to a Mom Undergoing Chemo Right Now
How to Help
How to Best Help a Friend Going Through Cancer Treatment, According to a Mom Undergoing Chemo Right Now
One woman who was denied a mammogram because she was deemed not to be at high risk now is fighting metastatic cancer. She shares her story in hopes of inspiring others to push for the screenings they deserve.
Fight for Your LifeShe Was Twice Denied a Mammogram — Then Diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Now Her Cancer Is Back: ‘I Can’t Imagine Not Fighting’
Fight for Your Life
She Was Twice Denied a Mammogram — Then Diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Now Her Cancer Is Back: ‘I Can’t Imagine Not Fighting’
Our cover star Guerdy Abraira shares her own experience about how her diagnosis has affected her family.
Closer than EverReal Housewives of Miami’s Guerdy Abraira on Parenting Her Sons While Going Through Chemo: ‘We’re Closer Than Ever’
Closer than Ever
Real Housewives of Miami’s Guerdy Abraira on Parenting Her Sons While Going Through Chemo: ‘We’re Closer Than Ever’
Podcast hosts and BFFs share the bras, beauty products, and more that have helped them feel like themselves throughout their cancer experience.
Best Products for Breast CancerBest Friends Launch Podcast Series to Help Women with Breast Cancer Navigate Dating, Sex and More
Best Products for Breast Cancer
Best Friends Launch Podcast Series to Help Women with Breast Cancer Navigate Dating, Sex and More
source: people.com