Frequently Asked Questions
Does refractory or recurrent breast cancer mean there are no treatment options left?
- No. A diagnosis of refractory or recurrent disease means the current approach needs to change, not that treatment has run out. The range of available therapies has grown considerably, and care is adjusted to find options that work.
If my cancer has come back, does that mean it cannot be controlled?
- Not necessarily. Many people live for extended periods with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer that is well managed, with treatment focused on controlling the disease and maintaining quality of life over time.
Why did my cancer come back even though I completed all my treatment?
- Sometimes a small number of cancer cells survive treatment and grow again later, or the cancer develops resistance to a therapy that once worked. This is not a result of anything you did wrong, and it reflects the biology of the disease.
Should I consider a clinical trial?
- Clinical trials can be a valuable option in refractory disease, because they offer access to newer therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can explain whether a suitable trial is open and what it would involve.