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Review
. 2022 Jul 10;11(14):3992.
doi: 10.3390/jcm11143992.

Living with Advanced Breast Cancer: A Descriptive Analysis of Survivorship Strategies

Michael Grimm  1 , Lindsey Radcliff  1 , Mariann Giles  2 , Ryan Nash  3 , Erin Holley  4 , Shannon Panda  1 , Lynne Brophy  1 , Nicole Williams  1 , Mathew Cherian  1 , Daniel Stover  1 , Margaret E Gatti-Mays  1 , Robert Wesolowski  1 , Sagar Sardesai  1 , Preeti Sudheendra  1 , Raquel Reinbolt  5 , Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy  1 , Ashley Pariser  1
Affiliations
Review

Living with Advanced Breast Cancer: A Descriptive Analysis of Survivorship Strategies

Michael Grimm et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Survivors of advanced breast cancer (ABC), also known as metavivors, are often left with fewer treatment options in the landscape of a cure culture. Metavivors have unique psychosocial and physical needs distinct from patients with early-stage breast cancer. This analysis delves into side effects commonly experienced by patients with ABC, such as fatigue, anxiety, and cardiotoxicity; how these side effects impact caregiver support, financial toxicity, emotional strain, and spiritual and emotional distress; as well as current strategies for mitigation, including nutrition, exercise, and participation in clinical research. Overall, this analysis is a mandate for additional research to explore novel treatments and implement strategies to maintain and improve patients' quality of life.

Keywords: breast neoplasms; metastatic breast cancer; metavivorship; side effects.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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