I am Concerned About Breast Cancer
Lump or Abnormal Mammogram
Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Follow Up Care
Second Opinion
I have Metastatic Breast Cancer

Learning of a diagnosis of metastatic disease is often accompanied by fear, uncertainty and difficulty with treatment decision making. While we have no treatments guaranteed to cure metastatic breast cancer, many women live many years with courage, tenacity and hope treating breast cancer as a chronic illness and responding variably to systemic therapies. In addition to standard recommended treatments (about which there might be differing medical opinions), there are numerous clinical trials that may be relevant to each woman's situation. There are newer therapies under investigation for metastatic breast cancer using new chemotherapy drug or older drugs in combination with new hormonal therapies. There is rich innovation in the arena of preventing further metastases (antiangiogenesis), vaccine research, alternative delivery systems for older chemotherapy agents and interruption of the genetic "turning on" of breast cancer development. Each woman reacts differently, but it is generally true that women need both information and emotional support and benefit greatly from advocacy on their behalf.


Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Our team of physicians and health care providers will work with you individually to address your personal medical concerns and to determine a treatment plan that meets your medical needs. In addition, the Breast Care Center offers support and wellness services to help you manage the emotional and lifestyle challenges that you may face.

To make an appointment with one of our physicians, please call (415) 353-7070 .

Other programs at the Breast Care Center for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer


Educational Material for Individuals with Metastatic Breast Cancer

We at the Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center hope to provide you with information and support that will enable you to experiment and to explore ways of feeling better that best match you and your needs. Below you will find links to some of the educational information contained within our website that is applicable for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. In addition further information can be gathered at our UCSF Cancer Resource Center or by talking with your physician.


Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are formal, controlled protocols designed to test the effectiveness of new treatments, including novel drugs, types of intervention, or combinations of therapy.

If you are interested in obtaining more information on specific breast cancer clinical trials offered at UCSF, please visit our website's clinical trial section. To learn more about the clinical trial process, please visit the University of California, San Francisco Cancer Center web site section on clinical trials. You can also visit the National Cancer Institute's CancerNet. There you will find access to PDQ, the NCI-sponsored database of clinical trials nationwide.