How Can Metastatic Cancer Best Be Managed?

The spread of cancer cells to other tissues and organs is called metastasis, metastatic cancer or stage 4 cancer, also termed advanced cancer.

Metastatic cancer is not named directly after the site of spread. Breast cancer spreading to bone, for example, is metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer.

This article gathers information on metastatic cancer, its treatment and goals, and managing this period emotionally and spiritually.

What does having metastatic cancer mean?

Patients previously lived more limited periods. Today, advanced treatments can prolong survival and improve quality of life . Even when complete cure is impossible, patients are always offered treatment opportunities.

Metastatic cancers are now also grouped: oligometastasis , spread to only a few organs, has different outcomes from spread to many. Oligometastatic cancer can sometimes be controlled much longer, even eliminating all signs and symptoms.

Indicators of a better course in stage 4 cancer include:

• Few metastases (oligometastatic cancer)
• Spread to lymph nodes or bones
• Hormone-sensitive cancer (most breast and prostate cancers)

Medical advances allowing months or sometimes years of good-quality life in metastatic cancer are highly encouraging.

Which treatments are used?

Cancer comprises many diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation. Treatment varies with type, stage (extent of spread), age, general health, previous treatments and other factors.

Options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted drugs, surgery and radiotherapy.

What are treatment goals?

For many diagnosed patients, treatment aims to cure cancer, eliminating it completely. In metastatic cancer, however, cure may not always be realistic. Treatment usually aims to stop progression, improve quality of life and prolong survival. Goals can be divided into 4 areas:

• Minimizing symptoms caused by cancer itself
• Minimizing treatment side effects as much as possible
• Maintaining the best possible quality of life
• Providing the longest possible survival

Priorities differ, and patients should tell their doctor and care team what matters most. Treatment may help metastatic cancer patients live longer and feel better. Whether to receive it is your decision.

Living with cancer long-term

Living with metastatic cancer is challenging, in different ways for patients and relatives.

- 6 suggestions for relatives caring for cancer patients

• Challenges may include: 
• If cancer recurs after previous treatment, feeling hopeless, angry, sad or misunderstood, even by family.
• Intense anxiety highlights the need for psychological support alongside medical treatment. • Tests, appointments and decisions may cause distress.
• Discussing cancer with family and friends can be tiring.
• Fatigue or treatment side effects may require help with daily activities.
• Managing treatment costs - insurance may not cover everything.

Overcoming metastatic cancer challenges

To understand your condition and make clear decisions, a second opinion may help. Many doctors encourage consulting other oncologists. Your doctor and healthcare team help minimize disease and treatment side effects.

Emotions and lifestyle changes are also important parts of living with metastatic cancer. Coping strategies include:

• Learn about metastasis – knowing everything possible or just the basics increases awareness.
• Talk with a counselor, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or oncology social worker.
• Manage stress – Art therapies, meditation, yoga or music therapy are among many options to reduce stress.
• Anything else that helps you feel better – consider what suits you, such as worship or speaking to a counselor or religious leader.

Avoid cancer exploitation

Unfortunately, cancer is heavily exploited commercially. Following exaggerated promises to cure every cancer can cause financial and emotional harm, even costing lives. Turmeric, reishi mushroom, high-dose vitamin C, alkaline therapies, ozone therapy, Cuban cancer vaccine, insulin treatment, mistletoe, homeopathy and cannabis oil have each been investigated in dozens of scientific studies, but none has shown tumor-shrinking effects in humans, hence their classification as alternative medicine. These alternative practices and phytotherapies will not help patients as cancer treatments now or in the future.

- 7 reasons people feel the need for complementary and alternative cancer treatments

Recognize your feelings and concerns

Even when treatment goes as expected, discussing fears and concerns matters. Tell your doctor and team about your emotional state. Remember that metastatic cancer patients can now live for years. Your doctor will help provide the best possible quality of life.

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