Many people with metastatic breast cancer are living longer. Ongoing research has led to life-changing advancements in breast cancer treatments.  

What’s the outlook for people with metastatic breast cancer? 

The prognosis for people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (stage 4 breast cancer) continues to improve. There are new treatments for metastatic breast cancer, including immunotherapies and targeted therapies. Cancer specialists often combine these therapies with newer chemotherapy drugs to keep the disease in check. Other treatments like radiation therapy can ease pain and other symptoms, improving quality of life.  

Stage 4 breast cancer survival rates

Approximately one-third of Americans who have metastatic breast cancer are still alive five years after initial diagnosis. Some people live 10 years or longer. 

Factors that affect breast cancer survival rates

Many factors play a role in determining life expectancy for someone with metastatic breast cancer. These factors include:  

• your age 

• your overall health 

• extent of cancer spread 

• cancer response to treatment 

• tumor grade 

• presence of hormone receptors and HER2 status 

Improving breast cancer survival rates

Monitoring how the disease progresses and your response to treatment is key to helping you live longer. You may have more frequent screenings to see how the cancer responds to treatment. These tests can also check for new cancer metastases. You may have many of the same imaging scans you had during your initial metastatic breast cancer diagnosis.  

Increased testing may cause scan anxiety (“scanxiety”). You may feel anxious before the tests or as you await results. Your doctor can offer suggestions to help you manage this stress. 

Living with metastatic breast cancer

Living with a disease like metastatic breast cancer can be challenging. These steps can help improve your quality of life: 

• Connect with members of the Inspire Advanced Breast Cancer Community. 

• Meet with an in-person or online support group. 

• Talk to a mental health counselor. 

• Seek palliative care for pain and other symptoms. 

• Work with a dietitian to manage treatment side effects like loss of appetite and nausea. 

From the community: “Many of you have heard of me and my story (first and so far only person cured of metastatic breast cancer with immunotherapy using tumor infiltrating lymphocytes). I was treated...and have been having clean scans...” - Inspire member

Sources

• Metastatic Breast Cancer. BreastCancer.org. May 2025.

• Metastatic Breast Cancer. National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. 

• Stages of Breast Cancer. BreastCancer.org. June 2025..

• Treatments for Metastatic Breast Cancer. Susan G. Komen. February 2025.

Disclaimer

Member comments are lightly edited for length and to remove identifying information but are otherwise reproduced as they appear in the community as part of public posts.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.