DEBUNKING THE MYTHS

Below are just a few of the myths that still persist about metastatic breast cancer:

*** Myth: Research funding is well balanced for all stages of cancer.
Reality: 90% of cancer deaths result from stage IV cancer, but only 2% of research funds are devoted to stage IV.

*** Myth: Metastatic breast cancer is rare.
Reality: 30% of breast cancer patients progress to stage IV. Many more initially present with metastatic breast cancer.

*** Myth: Healthy lifestyles, timely screening and early detection prevent metastasis.
Reality: Metastasis happens despite vigilance and precautions. Even stage I patients can and do metastasize.

*** Myth: Metastatic breast cancer is becoming a chronic disease. Fewer die every year.
Reality: New treatments extend life for some, but survival remains elusive. Over 40,000 women and men have been dying annually since 1987.

*** Myth: Stage IV breast cancer patients are well supported by many groups.
Reality: Far too many patients must face their challenges with little to no support. Most programs focus on wellness and recovery, avoiding any reference to stage IV.

SOME STATISTICS

Statistics are listed along with the source that we used.  All statistics shown on this website pertain strictly to the United States unless otherwise specified:

*** In 2008 almost 49,000 Americans, including 1,990 men, were reportedly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (American Cancer Society; HOWEVER, this estimate excludes those who initially present with stage IV breast cancer.  If those are added, the number could be as high as 73,000 to 86.000.  (Silent Voices, a Living Beyond Breast Cancer publication).

*** In developed countries, including the US, at least 30 % of women with early stage breast cancer will eventually develop metastatic breast cancer.  (2008 Global Survey by Pfizer Oncology)  NOTE:  Some reporting puts this number at 40%. Both statistics exclude those initially presenting with metastatic breast cancer.

*** The number of Americans living with metastatic breast cancer is not known.  The numbers are neither collected nor maintained.

*** Breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women, and the leading cause of cancer death for women worldwide, with nearly half a million deaths every year.