Living with metastatic breast cancer

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tracy, Jaimie and Cynthia are sharing their stories of life with metastatic breast cancer.

All three women receive care locally within the Nepean Blue Mountains area, and the Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, which is part of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD), sees around 450 patients with both early and metastatic breast cancer each year.

Through the lens of their own lived experience, they offer generous and helpful insights for newly diagnosed patients, family and friends, healthcare workers, and others affected by cancer.

Tracy

Five years after her initial diagnosis, Tracy reflects on the way metastatic breast cancer has changed how she thinks about everyday life and plans for the future.

"Every ache and pain is thought about differently. Everything you plan to do, there's a different level to think about."

Tracy says that work, family and her support network have all played important roles in helping her adapt to life with cancer, and encourages newly diagnosed patients to ask questions, make notes and seek information at their own pace.

Hear Tracy’s story:

Jaimie

Diagnosed in 2025, Jaimie describes living within two realities. She continues to work full-time, spend time with family and friends, and focus on the things that are important to her, while also navigating the unpredictability that comes with living with metastatic breast cancer.

"Living with metastatic breast cancer is living my life as I want to live it, with an undercurrent of a lot of uncertainty."

Jaimie explains that metastatic breast cancer has not changed who she is. Drawing on her experience as both a patient and a nurse, she advocates for clear and empathetic communication that meets patients where they are and recognises different levels of health literacy.

Hear Jaimie’s story:

Cynthia

Cynthia was first diagnosed with stage two breast cancer at 38, despite having no family history of the disease. Seven years later, at 45, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and has been living with the disease for almost four years.

Cynthia says one of the biggest misconceptions about metastatic breast cancer is that treatment eventually comes to an end.

"People do think that your treatment ends, but it doesn't. It's like it's an ongoing race."

Cynthia says people living with metastatic breast cancer can appear outwardly well while managing challenges others may not see, and that regular communication and small gestures of support can make a meaningful difference.

Hear Cynthia's story:

Supporting people with metastatic breast cancer

As one of two McGrath Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultants at Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, Melanie Brothers supports patients and their families as they navigate treatment and life with metastatic breast cancer.

Melanie says living with metastatic breast cancer is a lifelong experience, and that meaningful care recognises treatment as an ongoing reality. Support must respond to patients’ changing needs, coordinate care across different settings, and place the individual's values and choices at the centre of every decision.

“At the centre of breast cancer care in our local area is a highly skilled, collaborative, and compassionate multidisciplinary team, with a shared commitment to achieving the very best outcomes for every patient”, says Melanie.

Understanding metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer occurs when breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body. While current treatments are generally not curative, treatment can control the disease, manage symptoms and help people live longer with metastatic breast cancer.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that around 21,000 Australians were living with metastatic breast cancer in 2024, including approximately 20,800 women and 150 men.

Within NBMLHD there are currently around 200 people living with metastatic breast cancer. 

Awareness and early detection

Metastatic breast cancer can develop even after an earlier breast cancer has been diagnosed and treated, and it can also be present on initial diagnosis. Early detection however can lead to better outcomes, and regular screening can detect breast cancer before it can be seen or felt.

In the Nepean Blue Mountains, 28,699 women are currently overdue for a breast screen.

Women aged 50 to 74 are encouraged to have a free mammogram through BreastScreen NSW every two years, even if they have no symptoms. Women aged 40 to 49 and over 74 are also eligible for free screening, and women in their 40s are encouraged to talk to their doctor about whether breast screening is right for them.

Regardless of whether they attend regular screening, women should be familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. Anyone who notices a new or unusual change in their breast or chest tissue should see their GP promptly.

This year's BreastScreen NSW campaign encourages people  to "Be a Friend. Tell a Friend." Whether it's a reminder, a conversation, offering transport or booking appointments together, small actions can help more women stay up to date with their screening.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.