The entire month of October is observed as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and today, on October 13, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed. What Exactly Does Metastatic Breast Cancer Mean?Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer, is a form of the disease where cancer cells have spread from the breast to distant parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. While there is no cure, treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy can help manage symptoms, slow the disease's progression, and improve quality of life. Symptoms vary depending on the area affected but can include bone pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and headaches.The day is specifically recognized in the US as a day to promote awareness around breast cancer. In fact, on this day 300 monuments across all 50 states lit up and a dozen other countries from around the world also light up in green, pink, and teal. These are the colors of breast cancer awareness ribbon. Why Is It Important?It is an international health campaign that aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease. Breast cancer impacts around 2.3 million women worldwide. Through this day and the entire month that is dedicated to awareness, people and organizations can:support people diagnosed with breast cancer, including those with metastatic breast cancereducate people about breast cancer risk factorsencourage women to go for regular breast cancer screening starting at age 40 or earlier, depending on personal breast cancer riskraise money for breast cancer researchMetastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day ImportanceAbout 168,000 women in the US are estimated to have metastatic breast cancer. There are research and studies that show this number will rise to over 246,000 by 2030. Despite the growing numbers of people living with metastatic disease, most money for breast cancer research doesn’t go toward studying it. Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day thus seeks to educate the public about the challenges that people with metastatic breast cancer face and the need for more research, and more treatments — for this deadly disease. Is There A Theme For Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day?While there is no specific theme for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the day focuses on early diagnosis and on the support group that many patients need once they are diagnosed. Themes often emphasize the unique experiences of patients with metastatic disease and the urgent need for support and a greater understanding of this advanced stage of cancer. In fact, this year's theme for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also 'Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters'. This emphasizes on personalized stories of the ones who battled or are battling cancer, as no two patients journey through cancer is the same.
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