The seven key symptoms of secondary breast cancer

In the UK alone, 31 people die every day from secondary breast cancer.

It is the only breast cancer that kills and, despite October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, only one day of the month is officially dedicated to raising awareness of secondary – also known as metastatic – breast cancer.

Secondary breast cancer occurs when cancer cells spread from the primary cancer in the breast, to other areas of the body, such as the lungs, bones or liver.

When this happens, it is classed as 'incurable', but with treatment, many people can live with secondary breast cancer.

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According to secondary breast cancer advocacy group, MET UP UK, there is a disparity between funding for secondary breast cancer research and the amount allocated to primary breast cancer.

There is also a significant lack of awareness over what secondary breast cancer is and how the disease can present itself.

As a result of this, Jennifer Young, skincare expert and founder of Beauty Despite Cancer – a skincare brand created specifically for those living with and beyond cancer – is reminding Brits of the signs and symptoms to look out for.

She told Tyla: "Everybody talks about the symptoms of primary but nobody really talks about secondary breast cancer – and it's the secondary that kills people.

"The women I know who have been diagnosed with secondary are so cross that there is no conversation and they only have one day. There isn't as much money going into the research, we really need more research going into the treatment of secondaries. It's life and death.

"30 percent of all cancer patients will go on to develop secondary cancer, and we want every single person to be aware of the symptoms so we can help save lives and improve quality of life for those living with cancer."

Beauty Despite Cancer

The seven key symptoms of secondary breast cancer are:

Lumps or swelling under your arm/breastbone

A lump or swelling under your arm, breastbone or collarbone can sometimes indicate that breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

Loss of balance or weakness in the limbs

There are a number of signs that breast cancer could have spread to the brain. These include weakness; loss of balance; headaches; feeling sick and/or vomiting; dizziness; changes in behaviour; confusion; memory problems; changes in vision and fits (seizures).

Tiredness

Feeling constantly tired can sometimes be a signal that breast cancer has spread.

Discomfort under the bra

One sign that breast cancer could have spread to the liver, includes discomfort or swelling under the ribs on the right side, or across the upper abdomen.

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Pain in your bones

Signs that breast cancer could have spread to the bones includes pain; bone fractures; numbness; difficulty walking; loss of bladder or bowel control; nausea and/or vomiting; confusion; increased thirst and increased urination.

Alternative vision or speech

Changes in vision and difficulty with speech can be signs that breast cancer has spread to the brain.

Unexpected weight loss

Weight loss and loss of appetite can indicate that breast cancer could have spread.

You can find more information on the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer, as well as support, help and advice at Breast Cancer Now.

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