Advanced breast cancer
What is advanced breast cancer (aBC)?
Significant medical advances have contributed to breast cancer survival in the UK doubling in the last 50 years.1 In addition, public awareness and commitment across the country in providing research funding support many women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.
Despite this, breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, with around 56,800 women diagnosed each year: that’s more than 150 women every day.1 Breast cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the UK.1
aBC is when the disease has recurred and/or spread from the breast to other parts of the body such as the liver, bone, lungs or brain.2 This can also be described as secondary or metastatic breast cancer (mBC).2
References
Cancer Research UK. Breast Cancer Statistics. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer [Accessed March 2025].
Breast Cancer Now. Secondary breast cancer diagnosis. Available at: https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer-diagnosis/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-Lx2fWLiwMVopNQBh1xhzWhEAAYASAAEgIO7vD_BwE [Accessed March 2025].
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Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse events should also be reported to Novartis online through the pharmacovigilance intake (PVI) tool at www.novartis.com/report, or alternatively email [email protected] or call 01276 698370.
