Tag Archives: Stage 4 Cancer

Olivia Newton John Shares News of Her Breast Cancer Metastasis

Olivia Newton John Shares News of Her Breast Cancer Metastasis
Olivia Newton John Shares News of Her Breast Cancer Metastasis

Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John has campaigned to raise awareness of cancer research since she began fighting the disease in 1992. In May she made the sad announcement that her breast cancer had returned and spread to her lower spine.

The Prognosis for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Newton-John’s breast cancer is metastatic, also known as Stage IV, which refers to cancer that begins in one area of the body and spreads to other organs or tissues. It was discovered when the singer postponed a concert tour due to lower back pain that was originally thought to be sciatica.

Family and friends remain positive, and Newton-John herself plans to resume touring in August. While metastatic breast cancer is a serious issue, doctors say that Newton-John and other women with this diagnosis have reason for optimism.

Five-Year Survival by the Numbers

A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention discovered that the five-year survival rate for women with metastatic breast cancer had reached 36 percent during the last 10 years. That number is double the five-year survival rate for women diagnosed in the early 1990s.

According to Dr. Sagar Sardesai of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, the healthcare community has begun thinking of metastatic breast cancer as a chronic disease. Physicians are working with patients cancer treatment programs that relieve symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Stage IV Cancer Treatment at IsselsĀ®

If you have been diagnosed with metastatic cancer, there is hope. Visit our website to read and hear testimonials from patients with Stage IV cancer in all forms who have been successfully treated with our immunotherapy programs.

What to Understand about Metastatic Cancer

Understanding Stage IV
Understanding Stage IV

Have you heard reference to the term “metastatic cancer” but you’re unsure what it means? It may sound like a technical term, but it’s a relatively straightforward concept. Here are some facts to help demystify the issue.

Metastatic cancer is also called “stage IV” or “advanced”

All three terms refer to cancer that has spread from its original location to other parts of the body. Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells migrate via the blood or lymph system.

Metastatic tumors are treated the same as the original tumors

The tumors are called by the same name and treated with the same protocols as the primary cancer. If the original location cannot be determined, it’s considered to be carcinoma of unknown primary origin, or CUP. The patient undergoes a series of diagnostic tests to help doctors zero in on possible locations of the main tumor as well as appropriate courses of treatment.

Different forms of cancer are more likely to travel to particular areas

For example, breast cancer most commonly metastasizes to the lungs or bones. In addition, stage IV cancer may spread to one or several additional locations.

Metastatic cancer can be successfully treated

While the spread of tumors is a serious development, medical advances have made significant improvements in life expectancy for stage IV patients. Ongoing tests and studies continue to make breakthroughs in effective protocols.

Our state-of-the-art, non-toxic immunotherapy protocols boost your body’s own ability to fight cancer at any stage. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive, individualized treatment programs at IsselsĀ®.