The treatment of breast cancer depends of the location where it appeared and of how much it has spread. The treatment may include:  chemotherapy; hormone therapy, as tamoxifen or aromatic inhibitors; biological therapy with monoclonal antibodies that block the HER-2 protein; radiotherapy; surgical removal of the tumor

The decisions over the recurrent or metastatic breast cancer treatment are based on a combination of factors, which includes specific information about cancer, patient decision and overall health. Although, the most recurrent or metastatic cancer, can’t be cured and the treatment can only improve the quality of life and increase the survival time.

The type of treatment applied depends on the patient’s overall health and how well they cope with daily activities (performance status).

Initial treatment - Treatment depends on the symptoms, the interest area from the body and the possibility of the cancer if it has been extended. The treatment may include: hormone therapy with drugs like tamoxifien or an aromatic inhibitor; chemotherapy with drugs as doxorubicin, taxol and cyclophosphamide; bisphosphonates to reduce bone pain, fractures and compression of the spinal cord caused by spinal metastases;radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells; intervention for locally recurrent; corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling (swelling) caused by metastatic disease which is interested in the brain and spinal cord.

Home treatment - During the treatment for metastatic or recurrent breast cancer, you can choose on home treatment. This kind of treatment will help the patient to face the secondary effects that often accompany the treatment or the breast cancer. Home treatment may be all that is necessary to deal these common problems. In general, healthy habits such as: a balanced diet, enough sleep and gym, can help to control the symptoms. If the specialist recommends a specific medication and specific instructions to treat these symptoms, they should be respected.

The treatment with drugs - Metastatic or recurrent breast cancer is treated with a variety of drugs including systemic chemotherapy and hormones therapy. The treatment schedule proposed by the doctor depends on the symptoms, characteristics of cancer, location, stretching grade and of the first treatment followed.

Surgery - The surgery in generally is used to treat metastatic breast cancer. The mastectomy may be used to treat cancer that has relapsed in the breast (locally recurrent ), followed by conservative surgery and radiotherapy.

Other treatments - The metastatic breast cancer often affects the bones or brain. Radiation therapy may be a good choice for brain metastases, to remove bone pain and to control the cancer spreading. The type or duration of the treatment depends on the extension of the breast cancer radiotherapy, of the affected area, the overall health and other symptoms that the patient might have. There are some clinical trials to test other treatments for the metastatic or recurrent breast cancer. The diagnosed patients can discuss with the medical staff about the possibility of participating in clinical trials.

Psychological support: Many people with breast cancer face also emotional problems as a result of disease or treatment. The center where you follow the breast cancer treatment, can provide psychological support.

Steps that can be followed by a patient to overcome his emotions reaction on hearing the diagnosis of metastatic or recurrent breast cancer, are: the discussion with family and friends;  spending some free time alone; contacting a local organization that helps him find a support group; talking with others who may have similar feelings may be very helpful.