--- title: Secondary breast cancer diagnosis url: https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer-diagnosis updated: 2026-03-24T01:05:23Z --- [Back to Secondary breast cancer](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer) 1. [Home](https://breastcancernow.org/) 2. [About breast cancer](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer) 3. [Secondary breast cancer](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer) Healthcare Information # Secondary breast cancer diagnosis Read more about secondary breast cancer, including what it is and what treatment may be available to you. ## Speak to a nurse If you have any concerns about breast cancer, or just want to talk, our specialist nurses are here for you [0808 800 6000](tel:0808%20800%206000) We are open weekdays 9am to 4pm. Saturday 9am to 1pm ## In this section - 1. What is secondary breast cancer? - 2. De novo metastatic breast cancer - 3. Can secondary breast cancer be cured? - 4. How long do people live with secondary breast cancer? - 5. Coping with a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer - 6. Treatment for secondary breast cancer - 7. Living with secondary breast cancer ## 1. What is secondary breast cancer? Secondary breast cancer occurs when breast cancer cells spread from the primary (first) cancer in the breast to other parts of the body. Breast cancer cells can spread through the lymphatic system or the blood stream. You may hear secondary breast cancer referred to as: - Metastatic breast cancer - Metastases - Advanced breast cancer - Secondary tumours - Secondaries - Stage 4 breast cancer The most common areas breast cancer spreads to are the: - [Bones](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer-treatment/secondary-metastatic-breast-cancer-in-the-bone "Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer in the bone") - [Lungs](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer-treatment/secondary-metastatic-breast-cancer-in-the-lung "Secondary breast cancer in the lung") - [Liver](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer-treatment/metastatic-secondary-breast-cancer-in-the-liver "Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer in the liver") - [Brain](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer-treatment/secondary-metastatic-breast-cancer-in-the-brain "Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer in the brain") Sometimes other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes in the chest, armpit or neck area, [the skin](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer-treatment/secondary-breast-cancer-in-the-skin-skin-metastases "Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer in the skin") or abdomen (belly), are affected. Where it spreads and to how many sites varies with different types of breast cancer and in different people. When breast cancer spreads to the bones, for example, it’s called secondary or metastatic breast cancer in the bone. The cancer cells in the bone are breast cancer cells. It is not the same as having cancer that starts in the bone. Close Glossary term ## Lymph nodes Also known as lymph glands. Small oval-shaped structures found in clusters throughout the lymphatic system, for example under the arm (axilla). Close Glossary term ## Lymphatic system The drainage and filtering system of the body, made up of lymph nodes (lymph glands), vessels and fluid. Helps to get rid of waste and fight infection. ## 2. De novo metastatic breast cancer Secondary breast cancer usually occurs years or sometimes months after primary breast cancer, but for some people it’s diagnosed at the same time as the primary breast cancer or before the primary breast cancer has been discovered. This is referred to as ‘de novo’ (which means ‘new’) metastatic breast cancer. De novo metastatic breast cancer is sometimes referred to as being ‘treatment naive’ because it has not previously been treated with any anti-cancer treatments. This may mean that the cancer may be more responsive to treatment. Close Glossary term ## Primary breast cancer Breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or the lymph nodes (lymph glands) under the arm (axilla). ## 3. Can secondary breast cancer be cured? Secondary breast cancer can be treated, but it can’t be cured. Treatment aims to control the cancer, relieve any symptoms, and maintain health, wellbeing and a good quality of life for as long as possible. ## 4. How long do people live with secondary breast cancer? One of the first things many people with secondary breast cancer want to know is how long they’ve got to live. Life expectancy is difficult to predict, as each person’s case is different and no two cancers progress (spread or develop in new areas) in the same way. However, as treatments have improved, more and more people are living longer after a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer. Your specialist can talk to you about how the secondary breast cancer may progress. You may worry if their answers are vague, but it isn’t possible to accurately predict how each person’s cancer will respond to treatment. ## 5. Coping with a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer A diagnosis of secondary breast cancer often comes as a very big shock. You may experience many different emotions, including disbelief, denial, anger, fear, numbness and helplessness. Your emotions may swing from one extreme to the other or change from one day to the next. Many people go through this stage before reaching a point where they’re able to start taking some control of their situation. However difficult it may seem, you can have some control over how you manage the illness and deal with the emotional and practical issues it brings. ### Talking to other people Talking about how you’re feeling can often help you cope in the early days. You may be able to do this with family and friends, but many people find this very difficult. Talking with a specialist nurse can often help. You can ask to be put in contact with one if you haven’t already. We are also here to help you. Through our services you can: - Call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 - Chat to other people living with secondary breast cancer on our [forum](https://forum.breastcancernow.org/c/living-with-secondary-breast-cancer?_ga=2.97491354.485206054.1695639163-1399815577.1619436390&_gl=1*1xm13gu*_ga*MTM5OTgxNTU3Ny4xNjE5NDM2Mzkw*_ga_F5D6D6WGJR*MTY5NTgyNDc2My40MjMuMS4xNjk1ODI1NDUxLjYuMC4w) - Meet other people with a secondary diagnosis and get information and support at a Living with Secondary Breast Cancer group - more information about this can be found at the end of the page ## 6. Treatment for secondary breast cancer The aim of treatment for secondary breast cancer is to: - Control and slow down the spread of the cancer - Relieve symptoms - Maintain health and wellbeing - Give you the best quality of life for as long as possible ### [Secondary breast cancer treatment](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer-treatment) Read more about the treatment options for secondary breast cancer you may be offered. ## 7. Living with secondary breast cancer Everyone’s experience of being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer is different, and people cope in their own way. For many people, uncertainty can be the hardest part of living with secondary breast cancer. Our information on living with secondary breast cancer addresses the emotional, practical and physical effects of a diagnosis. ### [Living with secondary breast cancer](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer/living-with-secondary-breast-cancer) Living with secondary breast cancer can bring up lots of concerns. Explore our information on emotional, physical and practical topics, from money and work needs, to relationships. ### Was this helpful? Thank you for your feedback ### Was this helpful? Was this helpful? Yes No Please tell us what you liked about it. Answered my questions Easy to understand Right amount of information Reassuring We’re sorry you didn’t find this helpful. Please tell us why. Didn't answer my questions Hard to understand Too much information Upsetting If you have any more feedback, please let us know. Please do not include personal details and be aware we cannot respond to comments. If you have a question please call our helpline on 0808 800 6000. Send feedback Print this page ### Quality assurance Last reviewed in August 2022. The next planned review begins in August 2024. ![Trusted information creator. Patient Information Forum](https://breastcancernow.org/_content/BreastCancerNow.UmbracoComponents/images/quality-assurance-logo.png) - ## Call our free helpline If you have any concerns about breast cancer, or just want to talk, our specialist nurses are here for you. [0808 800 6000](tel:0808%20800%206000) Lines open: Monday to Friday - 9am to 4pm; Saturday - 9am to 1pm - ## Explore ways to talk to our nurses It can be difficult to talk to someone in person about breast cancer concerns. Explore other ways you can ask a question. [Talk to a nurse](https://breastcancernow.org/all-services/talk-to-a-nurse) - ![Jane, a woman with a short silver bob, orange jumper and dark red checkered coat, holding a walking stick, smiling for a portrait to camera, with a wide landscape green field behind her.](https://d24otazn342w10.cloudfront.net/externalApps/06f289b5-a938-410c-a4c1-ec23427f38f5/conversion/card/assets/28067) ## Groups for people with secondary breast cancer You don't have to face secondary breast cancer alone. Join a group and connect with people who understand in a safe, supportive space. [Learn about the groups](https://breastcancernow.org/all-services/group-for-people-with-secondary-breast-cancer) - ![A woman sitting in a garden, looking peaceful](https://d24otazn342w10.cloudfront.net/externalApps/06f289b5-a938-410c-a4c1-ec23427f38f5/conversion/card/assets/24002) ## Events for younger women with secondary breast cancer If you're a younger woman with secondary breast cancer, we're here for you. Meet other women who understand and get tailored support. [Learn about our events](https://breastcancernow.org/all-services/events-for-younger-women-with-secondary-breast-cancer)