Understanding Where Breast Cancer Spreads

Nothing can take up brain space quite like worrying that cancer has spread. But knowing what you can expect about the ways that breast cancer grows and metastasizes (spreads) can feel empowering.

We talked with oncologist Erin Roesch, MD, about where breast cancer spreads first, and where it’s most likely to go from there.

Where does breast cancer spread?

Breast cancer most commonly spreads to your lymph nodes first. That includes the lymph nodes under your collarbone and your axillary lymph nodes (the ones in your armpit). Breast cancer isn’t considered metastatic unless it spreads away from these areas.

From there, if breast cancer continues to spread, it’s most likely to metastasize to your:

• Lungs
• Liver
• Bones
• Brain

Those are some of the likely culprits, but the reality is that breast cancer can spread anywhere. It can grow in the tissue surrounding your breast. And it can travel through your bloodstream or lymphatic system to any part of your body.

“Every cancer is different, but the type of breast cancer you have typically plays a role in how quickly it spreads and where it’s most likely to spread,” Dr. Roesch states.

No matter where it spreads, if breast cancer turns up in another area, it’s still breast cancer. If it spreads to your lungs, for example, it’s not lung cancer. It’s metastatic breast cancer. Same for breast cancer that spreads to your liver, bones and other places.

Signs that breast cancer has spread

Breast cancer spreads silently. So, you won’t necessarily feel it spreading unless you show signs or symptoms in the affected part of your body where it’s traveled. Dr. Roesch shares some signs to watch out for.

Of course, if you or a loved one is living with breast cancer, it’s easy to worry that any change is a sign of metastatic breast cancer.

Vigilance is important. But so is remembering that not every fleeting cough or body ache is a surefire sign of cancer. People who aren’t living with cancer get headaches. They feel nauseated sometimes, too. So, give yourself some grace.

Not everyone will show signs of breast cancer spreading. But talk with your cancer team about your concerns. Keeping up with your appointments and sharing any updates with your providers will help them to keep an eye out for signs that your cancer has spread.

Your provider will use tests to look for cancer metastases. That can include:

• CT scans
• Ultrasound
• PET scans
• Blood tests
• Bronchoscopy

What to do if your breast cancer has spread

It’s estimated that between 20% and 30% of people diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will develop metastatic breast cancer.

But even if your breast cancer has spread to other parts of your body, treatments can relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

“Some people live with breast cancer for several years as they learn to adjust and accept that they’ll be on treatment for the long haul,” Dr. Roesch shares. “Your cancer team will help you learn and cope with what you can expect along the way.”