Support for people with metastatic breast cancer

In Australia, approximately 20,000 women and 200 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, with five per cent of patients unfortunately advancing to metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer. There are currently an estimated 10,000 individuals living with metastatic breast cancer in Australia.

For information on early breast cancer, please visit our dedicated early breast cancer webpage.

Diagnosis

Metastatic breast cancer is diagnosed when cancer cells from the breast have spread to other parts of the body, typically the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. This advanced stage of breast cancer is characterised by the presence of distant metastases, often detected through imaging studies like CT scans, PET scans, or bone scans.

Metastatic breast cancer patients will have a consult with a Medical Oncologist for an initial assessment, which involves reviewing scans, blood tests and biopsy reports. This helps customise treatment and ensures patients are well-informed throughout the process.

Treatment

Metastatic breast cancer offers a range of treatment options, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone-blocking (endocrine) therapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy.

Treatment choices depend on the cancer's biology, with the primary goal being to enhance the patient's quality of life.

Your dedicated treatment team is committed to providing continuous support and monitoring throughout your treatment journey.

Helping you along your cancer journey

The McGrath Metastatic Breast Cancer Nurse Coordination Service is a free service available to metropolitan and rural patients in WA. This service is provided through the collaboration of the Cancer Network WA and the McGrath Foundation.

The McGrath Metastatic Breast Cancer Nurse can support you by:

• Assisting you through the health care system and finding services to help you and your family
• Acting as a central point of contact
• Assisting with coordinating appointments (where possible)
• Providing and explaining information on your diagnosis and treatment
• Liaising and linking with other services within your treating hospital and the wider community

Other useful contacts

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6457 3333

Fiona Stanley Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6152 2222

Royal Perth Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 9224 2244

McGrath Foundation
Tel: 1800 183 338
Provides funding for McGrath Breast Care Nurses who can provide support for people and their families affected by breast cancer.

Cancer Council WA
Tel: 13 11 20
Provides disease-specific information, counselling, complementary therapies, practical support (accommodation, wig library) legal advice and advocacy.

Breast Cancer Care WA
Tel: (08) 9324 3703
Provides emotional, practical and financial support to people affected by breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Clinical Psychology Service
This is a free service available to patients attending metropolitan tertiary hospitals for breast cancer treatment. Referral from a health care professional is required.
Private patients – contact your treating team for details.

Country Health Connection
Tel: (08) 6383 3475
Provides a free transport and coordination service in Perth for Aboriginal people travelling to Perth for specialist treatment.

SolarisCare
Tel: (08) 6383 3475
Provides counselling and complementary therapies for cancer patients and their families.

Useful websites

McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses
Web: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au

Breast Cancer Network Australia
Web: www.bcna.org.au

Breast Cancer Care WA
Web: www.breastcancer.org.au

Cancer Council WA
Web: www.cancerwa.asn.au

Country Health Connection
Email: countryhealthconnection@health.wa.gov.au