A Letter from the Editor About Metastatic Breast Cancer

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Jordan Provost; Ari & Louise

Jordan Provost; Ari & Louise

Earlier in my career I worked as a health editor, and every October I knew all eyes would turn toward the topic of breast cancer. It was a public health feat, getting women–and doctors and scientists–to focus on this vital health issue that had all too often been stigmatized, ignored and underfunded before 1992, when the pink ribbon became a national symbol for the cause.I always dreamed that in 20 years, there would be a cure for breast cancer and we wouldn’t need any more ribbons or walks. That, of course, hasn’t happened yet. Outcomes have improved for many people with breast cancer, but it’s still often a difficult road; for example, only one-third of women with metastatic breast cancer live longer than five years. But speaking withDr. Sohaib Imtiaz, M.D., chief medical officer of Verywell Health, gave me insights into advances in MBC that kept me from feeling discouraged. Here are just a few:Women with metastatic breast cancer are living longer.“New drugs and personalized treatments have improved outcomes, allowing patients to live longer with fewer symptoms,” says Dr. Imtiaz. “Recent data shows that survival rates for patients diagnosed in 2019 improved to an average of 3.2 years, compared to just 1.9 years for those diagnosed in 2000.”And women aren’t just living longer, they are livingbetter.This is partly due to more holistic approaches to care. “Programs that emphasize nutrition, exercise, and wellness have been shown to alleviate fatigue and enhance physical strength,” he says. Thankfully, doctors also now recognize that mental health is a vital component of treatment. “Addressing issues like stress, anxiety, and depression can greatly influence both physical and emotional well-being,” says Dr. Imtiaz. Cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapies can help improve patient outcomes–in part because patients are better able to stick with their treatment plan.People now know that early detection is not fail-safe.Yes, early detection is a good thing, and it was a key message of so many early awareness campaigns. “But despite proactive early detection and treatment, some patients may still face progression to metastatic disease,” says Dr. Imtiaz. “It’s important for women who develop metastatic breast cancer to understand it is not their fault.” Every case of cancer is unique; maintaining regular screenings and talking with healthcare providers enables patients to adjust treatment as needed in a timely way. “That may improve overall survival rates and disease management,” says Dr. Imtiaz.Women have more options than ever for support.Generations of women have now grown up with the pink ribbon, and aren’t shy about talking openly about breast health. (My girlfriends were the ones who prodded me to finally get the mammogram I had been putting off because I was “too busy.”) After a diagnosis, those phone-a-friend moments are even more critical. “The support of family and loved ones is invaluable,” says Dr. Imtiaz. In addition to helping with the logistics of daily life–not to mention coordinating medical appointments or dealing with insurance—friends and loved ones can help anyone with breast cancer find the reserves and the resilience to fight the disease. “Creating a safe space for someone to express their feelings can reduce anxiety, and showing empathy and flexibility can go a long way. Ultimately,” he says, “being present, listening, and offering both practical and emotional support can make a significant difference.”I hope this issue ofPeople Like Us, a partnership between the editors of People and Verywell Health, helps you and those you love feel some of that support. Read it digitally or pick up a copy of ourPeople Healthissue, featuringReal Housewives of Miamistar Guerdy Abraira, in select doctors' offices across the U.S. starting November 7.JIM JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY PRINT & FILM

Earlier in my career I worked as a health editor, and every October I knew all eyes would turn toward the topic of breast cancer. It was a public health feat, getting women–and doctors and scientists–to focus on this vital health issue that had all too often been stigmatized, ignored and underfunded before 1992, when the pink ribbon became a national symbol for the cause.

I always dreamed that in 20 years, there would be a cure for breast cancer and we wouldn’t need any more ribbons or walks. That, of course, hasn’t happened yet. Outcomes have improved for many people with breast cancer, but it’s still often a difficult road; for example, only one-third of women with metastatic breast cancer live longer than five years. But speaking withDr. Sohaib Imtiaz, M.D., chief medical officer of Verywell Health, gave me insights into advances in MBC that kept me from feeling discouraged. Here are just a few:

I hope this issue ofPeople Like Us, a partnership between the editors of People and Verywell Health, helps you and those you love feel some of that support. Read it digitally or pick up a copy of ourPeople Healthissue, featuringReal Housewives of Miamistar Guerdy Abraira, in select doctors' offices across the U.S. starting November 7.

JIM JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY PRINT & FILM

source: people.com