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Today is National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is a time to spread and gain knowledge of what sufferers are up against and how society can help. The word metastatic means that cancer spreads to a different body part from where it started. 

History of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day: In 2009, the House and Senate unanimously passed a resolution to recognize one day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It happens to fall in the month of October. October is specifically devoted to metastatic breast cancer. A group of nine MBC patients and their family members traveled to Washington D.C. and demonstrated, and these brave souls were able to catch the attention of the right people to initiate a vote. 

The pinpointing of one day merely means that, now since the word is out, the onus is upon the public to take action. As stated by the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network: “Now it is up to every metastatic breast cancer patient and those who love and support them to find ways to make use of this day, to further our cause to support those living with the disease and demand research to find treatments to extend our lives.” 

Each year, treatments for all kinds of breast cancer are improving. Metastatic Breast Cancer is a stage IV of cancer invading all areas of the body. It affects the liver, lungs, brain, lymph nodes, and more. Both men and women are diagnosed each year. Additionally, there are different types of metastatic breast cancer. 

The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While the awareness campaign mainly focuses on preventative measures such as mammography, it is important to know research continues for a cure for metastatic breast cancer. 

Today also gives a voice to those who live with metastatic breast cancer. It encourages the world to learn more about the disease, how it progresses, affects the person and those around them.