As a public health initiative, breast cancer awareness has been generally successful. Patients, families, physicians, and advocates have worked diligently to make breast cancer better understood and synonymous with strength, survivorship and scientific breakthrough. 

In Australia, survival rates for all breast cancers (early and metastatic breast cancers combined) have significantly increased over the past few decades:

• From 1991-1995: the chance of surviving at least five years (five-year relative survival) was 79% for both females and males⁵
• From 2016-2020: the chance of surviving at least five years grew to 92% in females and 87% in males⁵
• The chance of surviving at least 10 years (ten-year relative survival) after diagnosis is 87.4%⁶ 

The increase in survival rates for Australians living with breast cancer is due to improvements in screening (resulting in earlier detection), as well as advancements in clinical research and available treatment options.⁷

Currently no cure exists for metastatic breast cancer but that doesn’t mean that people shouldn’t be hopeful. The focus for patients with metastatic breast cancer shifts from cure to keeping the cancer under control as long as possible while maintaining quality of life.⁸ Metastatic breast cancer care involves complex medical management and decision-making. Creating awareness around metastatic disease can help patients feel less isolated and more visible to those around them, who may be able to offer vital support and encouragement.

Factors which can influence the survival timeframe for people with metastatic breast cancer can include:⁹

• The subtype of breast cancer:¹⁰
  • hormone receptor positive (HR+): where the tumor cells have estrogen receptors (ER) or progesterone receptors (PR), meaning that hormones are driving the breast cancer growth¹¹
  • human epidermal growth factor receptor positive (HER2+): when breast cancer cells make too much HER2 protein, this can cause uncontrolled breast cell division, leading to tumors¹¹
  • triple negative (not HR+ and not HER2+): where the cancer cells do not have any oestrogen, progesterone or HER2 receptors on the surface¹⁰
• Where and how far the cancer has spread
• Response to treatment
• Having other health issues that are not related to cancer

Be wary of misinformation about metastatic breast cancer (mBC), as it can lead to unnecessary fear or inappropriate treatment decisions. Here are 3 common myths around mBC:¹²

Myth #1: mBC  =  a short amount of time left

• People living with mBC can still live long and productive lives
• When breast cancer is discovered and treated early (especially with minimal disease in the body), life can return to a relatively normal state

• Early-stage breast cancer (stage 1-3) treatment tends to be more aggressive, in order to destroy all of the cancer cells and leave none behind
• In metastatic breast cancer, the approach is usually to control cancer to enable people to live well for as long as possible

• Breast cancer doesn’t always develop in order from stage 1 to 2 to 3, and then 4 – and it’s not always possible to catch it early
• About 5-10% of people are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer from the start (also called de novo metastatic breast cancer)¹³
• Around 20-30% of people diagnosed with early stage breast cancer will go on to develop metastatic breast cancer¹³
• You could do everything right (for example healthy eating, regular exercise, mammogram screening and self-exams) and still be diagnosed with mBC
• Whilst regular screenings can increase the chance of an earlier breast cancer diagnosis – it’s not a guarantee
• Although treatments can reduce the risk of breast cancer re-occurring, they can’t eliminate the possibility completely

Taking an active role in your treatment can help you feel empowered in managing your disease and living your life to its fullest potential.

If you have metastatic breast cancer, let your healthcare team know how you want to get involved in your own care. Here are some things to consider when speaking with your doctor or Oncologist:

• How much do you want to participate in the decision-making process when it comes to treatment?
• What and how much do you want to know about your prognosis?
• Are you comfortable having discussions about the goals of your care and end-of-life planning early on?
• Should you bring a family member or friend for support during your doctor visits?
• Have your concerns been heard and questions answered?
• Did you share your current experience on therapy and your goals of therapy with your healthcare team?

If you have family member, friend, colleague or know someone with metastatic breast cancer in your community - offer your support. Celebrate Metastatic Breast Cancer Day on October 13th and help raise awareness for those currently affected, their families, friends and co-workers, as well as those who may become affected in the future.

1. Cancer Council Victoria. Breast cancer statistics and trends. https://www.cancervic.org.au/about-cancer/types/statistics/breast-cancer.html Accessed Oct 2025.
2. Healthdirect. Metastatic breast cancer. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/metastatic-breast-cancer Accessed Oct 2025.
3. Cancer Australia. Stages of breast cancer. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/how-breast-cancer-diagnosed/stages-breast-cancer Accessed Oct 2025.
4. Breast Cancer Network Australia. Making metastatic breast cancer count. https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/making-metastatic-breast-cancer-count Accessed Oct 2025.
5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer data in Australia. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/summary-dashboard Accessed Oct 2025. 
6. Breast Cancer Trials. About Breast Cancer. https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/breast-cancer-resources/about-breast-cancer/ Accessed Oct 2025.
7. Breast Cancer Trials. Breast Cancer Statistics. https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/breast-cancer-resources/breast-cancer-statistics/ Accessed Oct 2025.
8. National Breast Cancer Foundation. Stage 4 (Advanced or Metastatic) Breast Cancer. https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/diagnosis/stage-4-advanced-or-metastatic-breast-cancer/ Accessed Oct 2025.
9. Breast Cancer Network Australia. Subtypes of metastatic breast cancer. https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/about-breast-cancer/metastatic-breast-cancer/subtypes-of-metastatic-breast-cancer/ Accessed Oct 2025.
10. Healthline. Understanding an HR-positive or HER2-negative Breast Cancer Diagnosis. https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/understanding-managing/understanding-hr-breast-cancer-diagnosis Accessed Oct 2025.
11. Breast Cancer Trials. Metastatic Breast Cancer. https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/metastatic-breast-cancer-2/ Accessed Oct 2025.
12. Breastcancer.org. 9 Myths About Metastatic Breast Cancer. https://www.breastcancer.org/types/metastatic/myths Accessed Oct 2025.
13. Breast Cancer Network Australia. Metastatic Breast Cancer: Hope & Hurdles Information Guide https://www.bcna.org.au/media/3xceny14/hah_mbc-information_guide_2020.pdf Accessed Oct 2025.