Metastatic breast cancer to the bones
Metastatic breast cancer can sometimes travel beyond the breast to the bones, one of the most common locations of spread.
- Medical Review: Nancy U. Lin MD
When breast cancer travels to other organs in the body, it’s called metastatic breast cancer. This includes stage IV breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer can sometimes travel beyond the breast to the bones, one of the most common locations of spread. In the bones, metastatic breast cancer is called bone metastasis, or bone mets.
It’s possible for breast cancer to travel to any bone in the body, but the spine, hips, shoulders, skull, and upper parts of the leg bones near the hips are where it’s most often found. Bone metastasis can lead to weak bones, pain, and a higher risk of fractures. We know the idea of weak, easily broken bones can sound scary. But there are ways to manage bone issues and to protect the bones from some damage.
It’s also important to know that if you’re diagnosed with metastasis to the bone, you can still have an active life that includes exercise. Whether you’re an athlete or you’re new to exercise, you can work with your care team and a physical therapist to create fitness routines that meet your needs and remains safe for your bones.
It’s possible to have bone metastases and metastases in one or more other organs at the same time. Doctors refer to this as “multiple metastasis.” If you have metastases in more than one part of the body, your healthcare team will work to treat the cancer in all sites.

About bones
Adults have 206 bones in their bodies. These bones may seem solid and unchanging, but in reality, the cells that make up healthy bones are breaking down and building back up constantly. Bones are made up of three types of cells:
- Osteoclasts, which break down old bone
- Osteoblasts, which form new bone
- Osteocytes, which are mature bone cells
When breast cancer spreads to your bones, the cancer interrupts the natural process of bone cells. This can lead to weak bones, pain, and a higher risk of fractures.
What are bone metastases?
Bone metastases are areas of cancer that develop when breast cancer cells travel to the bones. The tumors that develop, sometimes called lesions, can:
- Make the bones weaker and less dense. These types of tumors are called osteolytic, or simply lytic. Lytic lesions are caused by cancer cells causing old bone to break down without new bone being made, leaving weak spots or holes.
- Make the bones more dense, but not necessarily stronger. These types of tumors are called osteoblastic, or simply blastic. Blastic lesions are caused by new bone being made without old bone breaking down. This makes the bone harder, but this harder bone can still break more easily than normal bone.
It’s common for people to have lytic and blastic lesions at the same time. Doctors use imaging tests, such as x-rays, to figure out the types of bone lesions a person might have. For lytic lesions, treatment may include bone-strengthening medicines called bisphosphonates. Blastic lesions can be treated with radioactive material injected into a vein, called radiopharmaceuticals. Radiopharmaceuticals can travel to bone metastases and destroy cancer cells.
Who gets bone metastases?
Anyone diagnosed with breast cancer can develop bone metastases. For many people with metastatic breast cancer, the bones are the first location of cancer spread. In fact, almost 70 percent of people with metastatic breast cancer develop bone metastases at some point.
People diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer are more likely to have bone metastases than people with other subtypes of metastatic breast cancer. But so far, there is no evidence that people of certain ages or ethnicities are more likely to have cancer spread to the bone than others.
What are the symptoms of bone metastases?
Often, first signs of bone metastases are aches and pains that are strong and unexplained. These pains can be caused by the metastases themselves, or by a bone break or fracture. For many people, any unexpected symptom after a cancer diagnosis can trigger fear and anxiety. This is completely understandable, and if this is you, you’re not alone. Knowing that aches and pains are a major symptom of bone metastases may add to this stress, because everyone — cancer or not — has aches and pains from time to time.
It can be hard to know when a new ache is cancer-related. These symptoms may not immediately seem like cancer because there are many health issues that cause aches and pains, including menopause, breast cancer treatments such as aromatase inhibitors, or diseases like arthritis. And there are many ways to break or fracture even the strongest bones. The most important thing for you to do is to let your doctors know if you’re feeling something out of the ordinary so that they can reassure you, or order tests to look into symptoms you experience.
A serious, though rare, complication of bone metastasis is spinal cord compression. In spinal cord compression, a dangerous amount of pressure is put on the spinal cord, a column of nerve tissue that sends signals from the brain to the muscles. Symptoms can include:
- Lower back pain
- Burning pain that runs down the arms or back of the legs
- Numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Trouble urinating
- Feeling constipated
Spinal cord compression can be very painful, affect your height and posture, and if not treated can sometimes lead to paralysis. Although spinal cord compression is not common, it is a medical emergency typically treated with radiation therapy, and sometimes also surgery. It’s important to call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms.
If you have a history of breast cancer, even if it was years ago, report any bone pain that lasts 2 weeks or more to your healthcare team. This includes pain that makes you feel the need to see a chiropractor. Your care team can help determine whether you’re experiencing metastatic breast cancer symptoms, side effects related to breast cancer treatment, or something else.
How are bone metastases diagnosed?
Most cases of metastatic breast cancer to the bones are diagnosed after a person tells their doctor about bone-related symptoms. Others are diagnosed when a routine follow-up test shows abnormal results. If a doctor thinks you may have bone metastases, they will order one or more tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Doctors use imaging tests to create pictures of the bones and learn whether cancer has spread to them. These tests include:
- Bone scans
- Bone x-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
- PET scans
Your doctor may also order a blood chemistry test to check for changes in your blood. These tests look for high levels of the mineral calcium and high levels of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. We all need calcium and alkaline phosphatase, but too much of either in the blood could mean tumors in the bones are causing these substances to break down and get into the bloodstream.
It is important to know that bone density tests (sometimes called DEXA scans), which are frequently ordered in patients with early breast cancer to monitor the effects of hormonal medications on bone strength, do not detect bone metastases.
Sometimes, doctors diagnose bone mets by performing a bone biopsy, performed using a needle to remove a tiny piece of bone and test it for cancer cells. If you have just one suspicious area in the bones, or if it’s been many years since you were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, your doctor is more likely to recommend a bone biopsy.
How are bone metastases treated?
Bone metastases and their symptoms are typically treated with systemic treatments that treat cancer cells no matter where they are in the body. These include:
- Hormonal therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Anti-HER2 targeted therapies
In addition to these standard treatments, doctors may recommend these systemic bone-modifying medicines:
- Bisphosphonates can make bones stronger and reduce bone pain, and in some cases, stop new bone metastases from forming. The bisphosphonate used most often for metastatic breast cancer in the bones is called zoledronic acid (Zometa).
- RANK ligand inhibitors, like bisphosphonates, work to strengthen bones and ease bone pain. The most common RANK ligand inhibitor used for breast cancer in the bones is denosumab (Xgeva).
It’s also possible to treat bone metastases locally, in the specific places where cancer cells are found. Local therapies target cancer cells at the site of the metastasis, rather than treating cancer cells all over the body. For metastatic breast cancer in the bones, these are:
- Surgery to stop bones from breaking and to ease pain. This can include:
- Surgery to insert metal rods within bone and provide stability
- Kyphoplasty, in which cement is inserted into certain bones to ease pain
- Radiation therapy to ease pain
Treatment effectiveness
A diagnosis of breast cancer metastasis can trigger many different, and intense, feelings of uncertainty. It’s absolutely normal to wonder how long treatments may work, and you are not alone if you find yourself in this space. Many people living with a cancer diagnosis look for information about prognosis, the likely outcome or course of disease.
Right now, it’s not possible to predict how long one person with bone metastases might live compared to another. The most recent survival statistics available are not an accurate reflection of how long people are living today. Tracking and compiling survival data takes time, and during that time, new and more effective treatments become available.
Figuring out life expectancy also means looking at breast cancer subtype, how responsive the cancer is to treatment, your health before cancer, and current lifestyle choices, such as smoking and nutritional habits. What we do know is that people living with metastatic breast cancer are living longer.
If you’re curious about your own situation and believe knowing more will help you, talk with your care team. You can also learn more about life expectancy on our MBC prognosis page.
The first step to living well with metastatic breast cancer is to get standard-of-care systemic treatments, such as hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. These treatments work to keep the cancer from growing more or traveling further in the body. Treatments specific to bone metastases, such as surgery, radiation, and bone-modifying medicines, are the best next step, because they can help reduce side effects and maintain your quality of life.
Monitoring bone metastases
Once there is a clear diagnosis of bone metastases, you and your doctors will decide on a treatment plan. Part of that plan will involve tests that show how well treatment is working and how strong your bones are. These tests can show whether the bone metastases are growing, spreading, or staying the same, so you and your doctor can continue making treatment decisions and manage side effects.
Tests to monitor bone metastases
We know that it can feel frightening to think about the possibility of weaker bones or bone pain. It can mean changing your routine or avoiding activities you’re used to. But there are always adjustments that can be made to allow you to live a life that is active and fulfilling in many different ways.
Your care team will monitor the bone metastases regularly to control the cancer and to help you figure out what your body can handle as you have treatment. Your doctors may use some of the same tests to monitor bone metastases that were used to diagnose them. This will likely include imaging tests that create pictures of your bones, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and bone scans.
By comparing the pictures over time, your doctors can see if tumors in the bones are growing, shrinking, or changing in other ways in response to treatment. The images will also show doctors how strong your bones are, and whether a bone is at risk of breaking. If a fracture risk is found, they can recommend treatments that reduce the risk.
Your doctors may also order blood tests to monitor bone metastases:
- Tumor marker tests look for certain proteins or cells that break away from tumors and get into the bloodstream. Cancer cells that enter the blood can travel through the bloodstream and form tumors in other parts of the body. If a tumor marker test shows cancer cells in your blood, your oncologist can work to prevent the cells from forming tumors elsewhere by changing your treatment to better control the cancer.
- Blood chemistry tests can be used to look for high levels of calcium in your blood. High levels of calcium suggest the bones aren’t building up and breaking down the way they should be, which can be a sign that treatment isn’t working well enough and tumors in the bones are growing or spreading. If a blood chemistry test suggests the tumors might be growing, your doctors will recommend a new treatment.
How often do you need testing?
How often you get which tests depends on your diagnosis and your doctor’s preferences. But it’s common for doctors to recommend imaging tests in patients with metastatic breast cancer every 2-6 months to assess for bone metastases. If they recommend blood tests, a common schedule for tumor marker tests is every 1-3 months. Blood chemistry tests are commonly done every 1-3 months.
Your doctor may also recommend additional tests if you experience bone-related symptoms or side effects. You can always ask your doctor about why different tests are recommended at certain times.
Related blogs
- A few thoughts on compassion from a local lesbian
- Struck by genetic lightning: Living with Li-Fraumeni syndrome and metastatic breast cancer
- Having a baby after a breast cancer diagnosis: Meghan’s story
- Complementary therapies and metastatic breast cancer: Amanda’s story
Related news
- Celebrity nutritionist Rachel Beller to address conference on thriving with metastatic breast cancer, Saturday, April 29
- At our conference, a space for people with metastatic breast cancer to be seen and heard
- Beyond the headlines: February 2023
- 7 things to do before starting chemotherapy
- 3-dimensional radiation therapy
- 4-hydroxytamoxifen
- ablation
- abnormal
- Abraxane
- absolute risk
- AC regimen
- AC-T regimen
- AC-T-T regimen
- AC-Taxol regimen
- AC-TH regimen
- accelerated partial-breast irradiation
- action study
- acupoint
- acupressure
- acupuncture
- acupuncture needle
- acupuncture point
- acupuncture point injection
- acupuncturist
- acustimulation
- acute
- acute pain
- adenocarcinoma
- adenopathy
- adenosis
- adjunct agent
- adjunct therapy
- adjunctive therapy
- adjuvant therapy
- advance directive
- advanced practice nurse
- adverse effect
- aerobic exercise
- agent study
- aggravating factor
- aggressive
- AJCC staging system
- Alkeran
- alkylating agent
- Allegra
- allopathic medicine
- alopecia
- amifostine
- aminoglutethimide
- amitriptyline
- anabolic steroid
- analgesic
- anaplastic
- anastrozole
- ancillary test
- anemia
- anesthesia
- anesthesiologist
- angiogenesis
- angiogenesis inhibitor
- antagonist
- anthracycline
- anti-anxiety medicine
- anti-idiotype vaccine
- anti-inflammatory
- antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
- antibody therapy
- anticachexia
- anticancer antibiotic
- anticancer therapy
- anticonvulsant
- antidepressant
- antiemetic
- antiestrogen
- antifolate
- antigen-presenting cell vaccine
- antihormone therapy
- antimetabolite
- antimitotic agent
- antineoplastic
- antitumor
- anxiety
- anxiolytic
- Anzemet
- APN
- apocrine gland
- apoptosis
- aprepitant
- areola
- Aromasin
- aromatase inhibitor
- aromatherapy
- arthralgia
- ascites
- aspirate
- aspiration
- assay
- asthenia
- asymptomatic
- atypia
- atypical ductal hyperplasia
- atypical hyperplasia
- atypical lobular hyperplasia
- avoidance
- axillary lymph node
- axillary lymph node dissection
- BAK gel
- balloon catheter radiation
- baseline
- behavior modification
- best practice
- BI-RADS
- Biafine cream
- bias
- bilateral
- bilateral breast cancer
- bilateral prophylactic mastectomy
- bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- biofeedback
- biologic
- biopsy
- biopsy specimen
- biotherapy
- bisphosphonate
- bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis
- blinded study
- blood-brain barrier
- blood-brain barrier disruption
- blood cell count
- blood chemistry study
- board certified oncology pharmacy specialist
- body image
- body mass index
- bolus dose
- bone density
- bone metastasis
- bone mineral density scan
- bone scan
- bone-seeking radioisotope
- brachytherapy
- brain metastasis
- BRCA1
- BRCA2
- BRCAPro
- breast carcinoma in situ
- breast-conserving surgery
- breast density
- breast duct
- breast duct endoscopy
- breast lobe
- breast lobule
- breast reconstruction
- breast self-exam
- Brief Pain Inventory
- cachexia
- CAF regimen
- calcification
- cancer vaccine
- candidiasis
- capecitabine
- carboplatin
- carcinogen
- carcinoma
- carcinoma in situ
- carcinomatous meningitis
- carcinosis
- carcinostatic
- cardiotoxicity
- caregiver
- carmustine
- case-control study
- case report
- case series
- CAT scan
- CBC
- cell
- cell-cycle regulation
- cell proliferation
- central nervous system
- central nervous system metastasis
- central nervous system prophylaxis
- central venous access catheter
- cetuximab
- cevimeline
- chaplain
- charged-particle radiation therapy
- chemoembolization
- chemoimmunotherapy
- chemoprevention
- chemoprevention study
- chemoprotective
- chemoradiation
- chemosensitivity
- chemosensitivity assay
- chemosensitizer
- chemotherapeutic agent
- chemotherapy
- chest wall
- chest X-ray
- Chinese meridian theory
- chronic
- chronic pain
- cisplatin
- Claus model
- clergy
- clinical
- clinical breast exam
- clinical practice guidelines
- clinical researcher
- clinical resistance
- clinical series
- clinical stage
- clinical staging
- clinical study
- clinical trial
- clinician
- clodronate
- CMF regimen
- cognition
- cognitive behavior therapy
- cognitive therapy
- cohort
- cohort study
- combination chemotherapy
- comedo carcinoma
- comfort care
- Coming Out
- Community Advisory Board
- comorbidity
- compassionate use trial
- complementary and alternative medicine
- complementary medicine
- complete metastasectomy
- complete remission
- complete response
- complex decongestive therapy
- compliance
- complication
- compression garment
- computed tomography scan
- concomitant
- concurrent therapy
- condition
- consolidation therapy
- constitutional acupuncture
- continuum of care
- contract research organization
- contraindication
- contralateral
- contrast material
- control group
- controlled clinical trial
- controlled study
- conventional medicine
- conventional therapy
- cope
- coping skills
- core biopsy
- core needle biopsy
- corticosteroid
- counseling
- COX inhibitor
- cryoablation
- cryopreservation
- cryosurgery
- CT scan
- cultural competency
- cumulative dose
- cumulative exposure
- cure
- cutaneous
- cutaneous breast cancer
- cyclophosphamide
- cyclosporine
- CYP2D6 inhibitor
- cystosarcoma phyllodes
- cytopenia
- cytotoxic
- cytotoxic chemotherapy
- Cytoxan
- Data and Safety Monitoring Board
- DCIS
- de novo
- debulking
- definitive surgery
- definitive treatment
- dehydration
- denosumab
- depression
- diagnosis
- diagnostic mammogram
- diagnostic procedure
- diagnostic technique
- diagnostic trial
- diameter
- diarrhea
- diaziquone
- DIEP flap
- dietary counseling
- dietary supplement
- dietitian
- differentiation
- diffuse
- digital mammography
- diphenhydramine
- discharge
- disease progression
- disease-specific survival rate
- distant cancer
- distant metastasis
- Distant recurrence
- distress
- DNR order
- docetaxel
- dolasetron
- dose
- dose-dense chemotherapy
- dose-dependent
- dose-limiting
- dose-rate
- double-blinded
- doxorubicin
- drain
- dronabinol
- droperidol
- drug interaction
- drug resistance
- drug therapy
- drug tolerance
- duct
- ductal carcinoma
- ductal carcinoma in situ
- ductal lavage
- duloxetine
- durable power of attorney
- dysfunction
- dysgeusia
- dyspepsia
- dyspnea
- early menopause
- early-stage breast cancer
- edema
- EEG biofeedback
- efficacy
- Eklund displacement views
- electroacupuncture
- electron beam
- eligibility criteria
- Ellence
- emesis
- emetic
- endocrine
- endocrine therapy
- endpoint
- energy healing
- enteral nutrition
- epidemiology
- epirubicin
- ER+
- ER-
- ER
- ER-PR-HER2/neu-
- eribulin mesylate
- erythema
- estradiol
- estrogen
- estrogen blocker
- estrogen receptor
- estrogen receptor-negative
- estrogen receptor-positive
- estrogen receptor test
- estrogen replacement therapy
- etanidazole
- etidronate
- everolimus
- Evista
- excision
- excisional biopsy
- exemestane
- expanded access trial
- experimental
- extranodal
- false-negative test result
- false-positive test result
- familial cancer
- family medical history
- Faslodex
- fast-neutron beam radiation
- fatigue
- FDA
- febrile neutropenia
- FEC regimen
- Femara
- fertility
- fexofenadine
- fibroadenoma
- fibrocystic breast changes
- fiducial marker
- film mammography
- fine-needle aspiration biopsy
- first-degree relative
- first-line therapy
- five-year survival rate
- fluorouracil
- fluoxetine
- FNA biopsy
- focal
- Food and Drug Administration
- Fosamax
- fractionation
- fulvestrant
- functional magnetic resonance imaging
- gadolinium
- Gail model
- gallium scan
- gamma irradiation
- Gamma Knife therapy
- gamma ray
- Gelclair
- gemcitabine
- gene
- gene expression profile
- gene therapy
- general anesthesia
- generalized anxiety disorder
- generic
- genetic
- genetic counseling
- genetic marker
- genetic marker of susceptibility
- genetic predisposition
- genetic profile
- genetic susceptibility
- genetic testing
- genetic testing
- genetics
- genome
- genome-wide association study
- genomic profile
- genomic test
- genomics
- gland
- Good Clinical Practice
- goserelin
- grade
- grading
- granisetron
- gross description
- Halaven
- hazard ratio
- healing touch
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- healthcare provider
- healthcare proxy
- healthy control
- helical computed tomography
- HER2/neu
- Herceptin
- hereditary
- hereditary mutation
- heteronormative
- high-dose chemotherapy
- high-dose radiation
- high-energy proton therapy
- high grade
- high-risk cancer
- HIPPA
- histologic examination
- histology
- historic cohort study
- historical control subject
- homeopathic medicine
- hormonal therapy
- hormone
- hormone receptor
- hormone receptor test
- hormone replacement therapy
- hormone responsive
- hormone therapy
- hospice
- hot flash
- human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- human participant protection regulations
- hydroxydaunorubicin
- hyperalimentation
- hypercalcemia
- hyperfractionated radiation therapy
- hyperfractionation
- hyperplasia
- hypersensitivity
- hypofractionated radiation therapy
- hypofractionation
- hypoxia
- ibandronate
- ibuprofen
- idiopathic
- image-guided radiation therapy
- imaging
- imaging procedure
- immune adjuvant
- immune function
- immune response
- immune system
- immune system tolerance
- immunization
- immunoassay
- immunocompromised
- immunodeficiency
- immunohistochemistry
- immunology
- immunomodulation
- immunosuppression
- immunotherapy
- implant
- implant displacement views
- implant radiation therapy
- implantable pump
- in situ
- incidence
- incision
- incisional biopsy
- indication
- indolent
- induction therapy
- infection
- infertile
- infertility
- infiltrating breast cancer
- infiltrating ductal carcinoma
- inflammation
- inflammatory breast cancer
- informed consent
- infusion
- ingestion
- inherited
- iniparib
- injection
- inoperable
- insomnia
- Institutional Review Board
- intensification therapy
- intensity-modulated radiation therapy
- interfering thought
- internal mammary lymph nodes
- internal radiation therapy
- International Unit
- internist
- interstitial radiation therapy
- intervention
- intervention group
- intra-arterial
- intracarotid infusion
- intradermal
- intraductal breast papilloma
- intraductal carcinoma
- intrahepatic
- intrahepatic infusion
- intramuscular
- intramuscular injection
- intraoperative radiation therapy
- intraoperative ultrasound
- intratumoral
- intravasation
- intravenous
- intravenous infusion
- intravenous injection
- intrusive thought
- intrusive thoughts
- invasive breast cancer
- invasive cancer
- invasive procedure
- investigational
- investigator
- ionizing radiation
- ipsilateral
- IRB
- irradiated
- irradiation
- irreversible toxicity
- ixabepilone
- joint pain
- Karnofsky Performance Status
- laboratory test
- lapatinib
- laser
- laser surgery
- laser therapy
- lassitude
- late effects
- late-stage cancer
- latent
- laxative
- LEEP
- legal aid organization
- lesion
- lethargy
- letrozole
- leukopenia
- levels of evidence
- Lexapro
- libido
- lidocaine
- ligation
- linac
- linear accelerator
- lipoma
- lisofylline
- liver metastasis
- liver scan
- living will
- lobaplatin
- lobe
- lobectomy
- lobular carcinoma
- lobular carcinoma in situ
- lobule
- local anesthesia
- local cancer
- local therapy
- localization
- localized
- locally advanced cancer
- locally recurrent cancer
- lomustine
- loop electrosurgical excision procedure
- loop excision
- lorazepam
- low grade
- lubricant
- lumbar puncture
- lumpectomy
- lung metastasis
- luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist
- lymph
- lymph gland
- lymph node
- lymph node dissection
- lymph node drainage
- lymph node mapping
- lymph vessel
- lymphadenectomy
- lymphadenopathy
- lymphangiogram
- lymphangiography
- lymphatic basin
- lymphatic fluid
- lymphatic mapping
- lymphatic system
- lymphatic vessel
- lymphedema
- lymphography
- lymphoscintigraphy
- Lyrica
- lytic lesion
- macrocalcification
- magnetic resonance imaging
- magnetic resonance perfusion imaging
- magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging
- mainstream medicine
- maintenance therapy
- male breast cancer
- malignancy
- malignant
- malignant pleural effusion
- malnutrition
- mammary
- mammary dysplasia
- mammary gland
- mammogram
- mammography
- MammoSite
- Mammotome
- mantle field
- MAO inhibitor
- margin
- marker
- mass
- massage therapy
- mastectomy
- mastitis
- maternal
- maximum tolerated dose
- mean survival time
- measurable disease
- medial supraclavicular lymph node
- median
- median survival time
- Medicaid
- medical castration
- medical device
- medical nutrition therapy
- medical oncologist
- Medicare
- medicine
- medullary breast carcinoma
- mega-voltage linear accelerator
- megestrol
- melphalan
- meningeal metastasis
- menopause
- menorrhagia
- menstrual cycle
- menstrual period
- menstruation
- mental health
- mental health counselor
- meridian
- mesna
- meta-analysis
- metallic
- metastasectomy
- metastasis
- metastasize
- metastatic
- methotrexate
- metoclopramide
- metronomic therapy
- microcalcification
- micrometastasis
- microscopic
- milk duct
- mind/body exercise
- mindfulness relaxation
- Miraluma test
- mitigate
- modified radical mastectomy
- molecular marker
- molecular medicine
- molecular risk assessment
- molecularly targeted therapy
- monoamine oxidase inhibitor
- monoclonal antibody
- morbidity
- mortality
- MRI
- MRSI
- MTD
- mTOR
- mucositis
- multicenter study
- multicentric breast cancer
- multidisciplinary
- multidisciplinary opinion
- multidrug resistance
- multidrug resistance inhibition
- multifocal breast cancer
- music therapy
- mutation
- mutation carrier
- myalgia
- myelosuppression
- nanoparticle paclitaxel
- narcotic
- National Cancer Institute
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- National Institutes of Health
- natural history study
- naturopathy
- nausea
- NCCAM
- NCI
- NCI clinical trials cooperative group
- needle biopsy
- needle localization
- needle-localized biopsy
- negative axillary lymph node
- negative test result
- neoadjuvant therapy
- neoplasm
- nerve
- nerve block
- neurocognitive
- neurologic
- neuropathy
- neurotoxicity
- neurotoxin
- neutropenia
- NIH
- nipple
- nipple discharge
- nitrosourea
- NMRI
- node-negative
- node-positive
- nodule
- nonblinded
- nonconsecutive case series
- noninvasive
- nonmalignant
- nonmetastatic
- nonprescription
- nonrandomized clinical trial
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor
- nontoxic
- normal range
- normative
- NP
- NPO
- NSAID
- nuclear grade
- nuclear magnetic resonance imaging
- nuclear medicine scan
- nurse
- nurse practitioner
- nutrition
- nutrition therapy
- nutritional counseling
- nutritional status
- nutritional supplement
- nutritionist
- obese
- objective improvement
- objective response
- observation
- observational study
- obstruction
- off-label
- olaparib
- oncologist
- oncology
- oncology nurse
- oncology pharmacy specialist
- oncolysis
- ondansetron
- onset of action
- oophorectomy
- open biopsy
- open label study
- open resection
- operable
- opiate
- opioid
- opportunistic infection
- oral
- organ
- orthodox medicine
- osteolytic
- osteonecrosis of the jaw
- osteopenia
- osteoporosis
- OTC
- outcome
- outpatient
- ovarian
- ovarian ablation
- ovarian cancer
- ovarian suppression
- ovary
- over-the-counter
- overall survival rate
- overdose
- overexpress
- overweight
- ovulation
- PA
- paclitaxel
- paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation
- paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelle
- Paget disease of the nipple
- pain threshold
- palliation
- palliative care
- palliative therapy
- palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia
- palonosetron hydrochloride
- palpable disease
- palpation
- palpitation
- pamidronate
- panic
- papillary tumor
- Paraplatin
- parenteral nutrition
- paroxetine hydrochloride
- PARP
- PARP inhibitor
- partial-breast irradiation
- partial mastectomy
- partial oophorectomy
- partial remission or partial response
- pastoral counselor
- paternal
- pathologic fracture
- pathological stage
- pathological staging
- pathologist
- pathology report
- patient advocate
- Paxil
- peau d'orange
- pedigree
- peer-review process
- peer-reviewed scientific journal
- perfusion magnetic resonance imaging
- perimenopausal
- periodic neutropenia
- perioperative
- peripheral neuropathy
- peripheral venous catheter
- personal health record
- personal medical history
- personalized medicine
- Pertuzumab
- PET scan
- pharmacist
- phase I/II trial
- phase I trial
- phase II/III trial
- phase II trial
- phase III trial
- phase IV trial
- phlebotomy
- photon beam radiation therapy
- phyllodes tumor
- physical examination
- physical therapist
- physical therapy
- physician
- physician assistant
- physiologic
- PI3 kinase inhibitor
- pilocarpine
- pilot study
- placebo
- placebo-controlled
- plastic surgeon
- plastic surgery
- population study
- positive axillary lymph node
- positive test result
- positron emission tomography scan
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- postmenopausal
- postoperative
- postremission therapy
- potentiation
- power of attorney
- PR
- PR+
- PR-
- practitioner
- precancerous
- preclinical study
- predictive factor
- pregabalin
- premalignant
- premature menopause
- premenopausal
- prescription
- prevention
- preventive
- preventive mastectomy
- primary care
- primary care doctor
- primary endpoint
- primary therapy
- primary treatment
- primary tumor
- Principal investigator
- prochlorperazine
- progesterone
- progesterone receptor
- progesterone receptor-negative
- progesterone receptor-positive
- progesterone receptor test
- progestin
- prognosis
- prognostic factor
- progression
- progression-free survival
- progressive disease
- Prolia
- proliferative index
- promegapoietin
- prophylactic
- prophylactic mastectomy
- prophylactic oophorectomy
- prophylactic surgery
- prophylaxis
- prospective
- prospective cohort study
- prosthesis
- protective factor
- protein
- protein-bound paclitaxel
- protein expression
- protein expression profile
- protocol
- proton
- proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging
- pruritus
- psychiatrist
- psychological
- psychologist
- psychosocial
- psychotherapy
- PTSD
- pump
- punch biopsy
- qi
- qigong
- quadrantectomy
- quality assurance
- quality of life
- radiation
- radiation brachytherapy
- radiation dermatitis
- radiation fibrosis
- radiation necrosis
- radiation nurse
- radiation oncologist
- radiation physicist
- radiation surgery
- radiation therapist
- radiation therapy
- radical lymph node dissection
- radical mastectomy
- radioactive
- radioactive drug
- radioactive seed
- radioisotope
- radiologic exam
- radiologist
- radiology
- radionuclide
- radionuclide scanning
- radiopharmaceutical
- radiosensitization
- radiosensitizer
- radiosurgery
- radiotherapy
- raloxifene
- raloxifene hydrochloride
- randomization
- randomized clinical trial
- receptor
- RECIST
- reconstructive surgeon
- reconstructive surgery
- recreational therapy
- recurrence
- recurrent cancer
- referral
- reflexology
- refractory
- refractory cancer
- regimen
- regional
- regional anesthesia
- regional cancer
- regional chemotherapy
- regional lymph node
- regional lymph node dissection
- registered dietician
- regression
- rehabilitation
- rehabilitation specialist
- relapse
- relative survival rate
- relaxation technique
- remission
- remission induction therapy
- remote brachytherapy
- research nurse
- research study
- resectable
- resected
- resection
- residual disease
- resistant cancer
- resorption
- respite care
- response rate
- retrospective cohort study
- retrospective study
- risk factor
- Rubex
- salpingo-oophorectomy
- salvage therapy
- samarium 153
- sargramostim
- scalpel
- scan
- scanner
- scintigraphy
- scintimammography
- sclerosing adenosis
- screening
- screening mammogram
- second-line therapy
- second-look surgery
- second primary cancer
- secondary cancer
- secrete
- sedative
- segmental mastectomy
- selection bias
- selective estrogen receptor modulator
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- sentinel lymph node
- sentinel lymph node biopsy
- sentinel lymph node mapping
- sepsis
- sequential AC/Taxol-Trastuzumab regimen
- sequential treatment
- SERM
- sertraline
- Serzone
- sestamibi breast imaging
- sexuality
- sibling
- side effect
- silicone
- simple mastectomy
- simulation
- Single-agent therapy
- sleep disorder
- social service
- social support
- social worker
- sodium thiosulfate
- soft tissue
- solid tumor
- somatic
- somatic mutation
- sorafenib
- specialist
- specificity
- spiculated mass
- spinal anesthesia
- spinal block
- spiral CT scan
- spirituality
- sporadic cancer
- SSRI
- stable disease
- stage
- stage 0 breast carcinoma in situ
- stage 0 disease
- stage I breast cancer
- stage IA breast cancer
- stage IB breast cancer
- stage II breast cancer
- stage II breast cancer
- stage IIA breast cancer
- stage IIB breast cancer
- stage III breast cancer
- stage III lymphedema
- stage IIIA breast cancer
- stage IIIB breast cancer
- stage IIIC breast cancer
- stage IV breast cancer
- staging
- stamina
- standard of care
- standard therapy
- statistically significant
- stent
- stereotactic biopsy
- stereotactic radiosurgery
- sterile
- sternum
- steroid
- stress
- strontium
- study agent
- subcutaneous
- subcutaneous port
- subjective improvement
- subset analysis
- supplemental nutrition
- supplementation
- support group
- supportive care
- supraclavicular lymph node
- surgeon
- surgery
- surgical biopsy
- surgical menopause
- surgical oncologist
- survival rate
- symptom
- symptom management
- symptomatic
- synergistic
- synthetic
- syringe
- systemic
- systemic chemotherapy
- systemic disease
- systemic therapy
- TAC regimen
- tai chi
- tailored intervention
- talk therapy
- tamoxifen
- targeted therapy
- taxane
- Taxol
- Taxotere
- Tc 99m sulfur colloid
- technician
- terminal disease
- therapeutic
- therapeutic touch
- therapy
- thermography
- thiethylperazine
- thiotepa
- third-line therapy
- thrush
- time to progression
- tinnitus
- tissue
- tissue flap reconstruction
- TNM staging system
- tomography
- tomotherapy
- topical
- topical chemotherapy
- topoisomerase inhibitor
- total estrogen blockade
- total mastectomy
- total nodal irradiation
- total parenteral nutrition
- toxic
- toxicity
- tracer
- traditional acupuncture
- tranquilizer
- transdermal
- transfusion
- transitional care
- translational research
- trastuzumab
- trauma
- treatment field
- trigger
- trigger point acupuncture
- triple-negative breast cancer
- tumescent mastectomy
- tumor
- tumor antigen vaccine
- tumor board review
- tumor burden
- tumor debulking
- tumor load
- tumor marker
- tumor volume
- Tykerb
- ulcer
- ulceration
- ultrasound-guided biopsy
- ultrasound/ultrasonography
- ultraviolet radiation therapy
- uncontrolled study
- undifferentiated
- unilateral
- unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- unresectable
- unresected
- upstaging
- urticaria
- VACB
- vaccine therapy
- vacuum-assisted biopsy or vacuum-assisted core biopsy
- Valium
- vancomycin
- vandetanib
- vascular endothelial growth factor-antisense oligonucleotide
- vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- vein
- Velban
- venipuncture
- venous sampling
- Versed
- vertebroplasty
- vinorelbine