Experts URGE Irish women to learn about metastatic breast cancer

It sounds a little cliché, but your health really is your wealth – which is why the following revelation, from our country’s leading health experts, is so alarming.

A new report has revealed that most Irish women don’t know what metastatic breast cancer is, and the serious implications of the illness.

Metastatic breast cancer (mBC) is the most advanced stage of the disease, whereby the cancer has spread to other organs around the body.

Unlike with other forms of the disease, early detection does not help for metastatic breast cancer, and the projected survival for patients at this stage of the illness is two to three years.

According to a new report entitled ‘A Story Half Told’, a staggering 95 percent of Irish women believe breast cancer can be cured if caught and treated early.

Early detection cannot help survival with metastatic cancer, and authors of the report are seeking to rectify such common misconceptions.

With a quarter of those surveyed admitting they had never even heard of mBC, leading experts behind the new report want to spread awareness of the condition and its very serious implications.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Professor John Crown of St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, said the focus needs to be placed on improving quality of life for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

“The needs of patients with metastatic breast cancer are distinct from those of patients with early stage breast cancer. Improved treatment is resulting in longer survival and improved quality of life. The healthcare system needs to do more to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer,” he explained.