Breast Cancer: Stage 4 Symptoms To Look Out For

Breast cancer is a disease in which breast cells proliferate uncontrollably. The stage of breast cancer is determined by the severity of the disease, with stage 4 being the most advanced. Patients at this stage have cancer cells that have spread to other organs and require intensive treatment.

Understanding the stages of breast cancer is essential for determining the type of treatment you will receive as well as the symptoms you may experience. Before we get into the symptoms, let's first define the stages.

What are the Stages of Breast Cancer?

There are four stages of breast cancer recognised by medical experts:

      1.  Stages 1 and 2 Breast Cancer

• Stages 1 and 2 are considered early stages with a lower rate of death.

      2.  Stage 3 Breast Cancer

• Stage 3 has a higher rate of spreading and requires more intensive treatment.

      3.  Stage 4 Breast Cancer 

• Stage 4 is the final stage and has a higher rate of death.

Identifying Symptoms 

Patients with stage 4 breast cancer have severe symptoms and require intensive care. Among the most common symptoms are:

      1.  Breast lumps or growths

Lumps or growths on the breast are larger and more pronounced in stage 4 cancer than in earlier stages. These lumps are usually quite large and easily visible. They are also stiff and do not move when touched.

      2.  Skin changes in the breast

Women with breast cancer can see and feel changes in their breast skin at this stage. Breast skin changes that require medical attention include swelling, redness, and hardening of the breast skin. The skin on the breasts can also appear wrinkled or puckered.

      3.  Fluid discharge from the nipple

A common symptom of stage 4 breast cancer is fluid discharge from the nipple. This fluid may resemble water or blood coming from the nipple. It can affect both nipples or just one.

Nipple discharge usually occurs when a tumour in the breast causes the milk ducts to become blocked or damaged. This tumour can cause abnormal fluid discharge from the nipple.

      4.  Pain in the breast

Breast pain is a common symptom among women, especially those with stage 4 breast cancer. Pain in the breast may be accompanied by discomfort or tightness. This symptom could be caused by a cancerous growth that begins to press on nerves and surrounding tissue.

      5.  Cancer-related insomnia

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Insomnia is a condition that causes difficulty sleeping or sleep deprivation. This condition has the potential to impair a person's ability to function during the day. Insomnia can have an impact on both physical and mental health.

Insomnia can be a serious issue for stage 4 breast cancer patients. This is due to the fact that advanced stages of cancer are frequently accompanied by severe pain and discomfort, which can lead to insomnia.

Patients with stage 4 cancer may also experience emotional changes such as anxiety, depression, and restlessness, which can all lead to insomnia.

      6.  Weakness and fatigue

Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms among stage 4 breast cancer patients. They are frequently exhausted to the point of lethargy. Physical movement also slows and becomes more sluggish. This is a difficult mental and physical state for those affected by this disease.

      7.  Muscle pain

Muscle pain is another issue that those suffering from stage 4 breast cancer face. It can be very difficult for patients, both physically and mentally. Physical activity can be difficult and uncomfortable for patients.

Radiation treatment, chemotherapy and some cancer medications may also cause muscle pain.

      8.  Pain in the abdomen and loss of appetite

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Stomach pain and loss of appetite are common symptoms among patients with stage 4 breast cancer. Cancer that has spread can cause pain in the abdomen by affecting organs such as the liver, pancreas, large intestine, and stomach.

Furthermore, cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause stomach pain in patients.

Another common symptom of stage 4 breast cancer is a loss of appetite. Aside from stomach pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, headaches, and mood changes can all cause patients to lose their appetite.

      9.  Shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, is another common symptom for patients with stage 4 breast cancer. This occurs when cancer cells have spread to the lungs and limit the space for air to enter and exit. 

This condition can cause fatigue and an increased heart rate, resulting in discomfort and a lack of oxygen in the body.

How Long Does Breast Cancer Take to Spread?

The spread of breast cancer depends on the stage of the disease itself. 

Stage 1 breast cancer typically indicates that the cancer has not spread to the rest of the body. However, in stage 4 breast cancer, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver.

The rate of breast cancer spread is highly dependent on the stage of the disease. If breast cancer is detected early, it may be limited to the breast and treated more easily.

If cancer is discovered at a later stage, the risk of it spreading to other parts of the body increases. This has a greater impact on treatment and the quality of life of the patient.

Can Breast Cancer Be Treated?

It is important to note that even if a patient is diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, there are still treatment options available. While the treatment may not completely cure the patient, it can help to control the spread of cancer and improve the patient's quality of life.

Common treatments for stage 4 breast cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

What Resources Are Available in Malaysia for Patients With Stage 4 Breast Cancer?

In Malaysia, many organisations provide support to stage 4 breast cancer patients. This support includes providing treatment and financial assistance for treatment costs. 

Patients can also benefit from emotional support programmes to help them cope with the disease. This gives patients hope in their fight against breast cancer and improves their quality of life.

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