Stage 4 Cancer: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options — CNET Reuters

You’ve just received the diagnosis that no one ever wants to hear: stage 4 cancer. Everything you thought you knew about your health and future has suddenly been turned upside down. But while the news is devastating, it’s important to know that a stage 4 cancer diagnosis doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There are still treatment options available to help slow the spread of the cancer, relieve symptoms, and extend your life.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what it means to have stage 4 cancer and the types of treatments your oncologist may recommend based on the specifics of your unique diagnosis. We’ll provide an overview of innovative new therapies that are helping people live longer and maintain a good quality of life. We’ll offer tips for navigating this difficult time, caring for yourself emotionally and physically, and making the most of the time you have left surrounded by people who love and support you.
A stage 4 cancer diagnosis is life-changing, but that doesn’t mean life is over. There is still hope and help. You have a challenging road ahead, but you don’t have to walk it alone.

What Is Stage 4 Cancer?

Stage 4 cancer means the cancer has spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body. At this point, the cancer may be harder to treat, but there are still options to help manage the disease and improve your quality of life.

Treatment focuses on controlling the cancer

The goals of treatment for stage 4 cancer are to slow the spread of the cancer, shrink any tumors, relieve symptoms, and help you live longer. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy are often used.
While stage 4 cancer can’t be cured at this point, treatment can still be effective at controlling the disease for months or years. Many new targeted therapies and immunotherapies have been developed recently that work well for certain cancer types. Talk to your oncologist about clinical trials that could be a good option for you.

Making the most of your treatment plan

Follow the treatment plan from your doctor and report any side effects right away. Get a second opinion from a major cancer center to explore all options. Take advantage of palliative care and alternative therapies to manage pain and improve quality of life. Connecting with others in a support group can help you cope.
Though a stage 4 diagnosis is serious, new treatments are helping people live longer and better. Staying hopeful and proactive will help you navigate this difficult time. Discuss your priorities and values with loved ones and doctors so you can make the best choices for your care. Together, you can work to overcome this challenging disease.

Common Types of Stage 4 Cancers

If you’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, you likely have many questions about what comes next. Stage 4 means the cancer has spread from the original tumor to distant parts of the body. The good news is, that some stage 4 cancers can still be managed well with treatment. The most common types are:

Breast cancer

One of the most typical malignancies in women is this one. At stage 4, breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes to other organs like the bones, liver, or lungs. Treatment focuses on controlling the cancer and its symptoms, often using chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drugs, and radiation.

Lung cancer

By stage 4, lung cancer has spread from the lungs to distant lymph nodes or organs. Treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation to shrink tumors and slow the cancer’s growth. Surgery is usually not an option at this advanced stage.

Colon or rectal cancer

When colon or rectal cancer reaches stage 4, it has spread from the colon or rectum to distant parts of the body such as the liver or lungs. Treatment involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation to destroy cancer cells and relieve symptoms. Surgery may be used in some cases to remove blockages or bleeding tumors.
The specific treatment plan for your stage 4 cancer will depend on the type of cancer and your overall health. Don’t lose hope — with the right treatment and management, many people are able to live for years with stage 4 cancer. Discuss all of your options thoroughly with your oncologist to determine the best path forward.

Diagnosing Stage 4 Cancer

Diagnosing stage 4 cancer typically involves a combination of tests to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the initial tumor site to other organs or lymph nodes.

Medical history and physical exam

Your oncologist will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They will check for any signs that the cancer may have spread, such as enlarged lymph nodes. The oncologist will ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing that could indicate the cancer has metastasized.

Imaging tests

Scans like CT, MRI or PET scans provide detailed images of your internal organs and tissues. These can detect tumors or areas of cancer spread not seen on X-rays.

Biopsies

If imaging tests detect suspicious areas, biopsies may be needed to confirm if it is cancer. A sample of cells or tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Biopsies can be done with a needle, endoscope, or during surgery.

Blood tests

Simple blood tests can also provide clues about cancer spread. Elevated levels of certain proteins like CEA, CA 19–9, or PSA may indicate the progression or recurrence of some cancers. Regular blood tests are often used to monitor stage 4 cancer during and after treatment.

Genetic testing

For some cancer types, genetic testing of the tumor tissue can help guide personalized treatment options. Knowing the specific genetic mutations of your cancer may help determine which targeted therapies or immunotherapy drugs may be most effective.
It can be terrifying and upsetting to get a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. However modern treatments are helping many people live longer and better lives, even with advanced diseases. It’s important to comprehend your diagnosis and available treatments. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to explain anything you do not fully understand and provide recommendations for reliable resources to learn more. With knowledge comes power, and there are always reasons to have hope.

Treatment Options for Stage 4 Cancer

Once you’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, it’s important to understand your options for treatment. The goals of treating advanced cancer are often different from early-stage cancer — the focus is usually on controlling the cancer and managing symptoms to improve your quality of life.

Surgery

Surgery is not commonly used to cure stage 4 cancer, but it can be used to remove tumors that are causing pain or other problems. Removing even part of a tumor can help relieve symptoms like pain, bleeding, or blockage. Surgery may also be used to help make other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation more effective.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. For stage 4 cancer, chemo is usually given to help slow the growth of tumors and extend life. Chemo can be given through pills, intravenously, or both. Many stage 4 cancer patients receive chemo in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest. While chemo does come with side effects like nausea, hair loss, and fatigue, there are medications available to help manage them.

Radiation therapy

Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. For stage 4 cancer, radiation is often used to relieve pain and other symptoms by reducing the size of tumors. It can also be used in combination with chemo to enhance the effects. Side effects of radiation include fatigue, skin irritation, and damage to nearby healthy tissue.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy stimulates your own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. For stage 4 cancer, immunotherapy drugs may be options either alone or combined with chemo. Types include checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and CAR T-cell therapy. Immunotherapy can have side effects like fatigue, rashes, and digestive problems.

Targeted drug therapy

Targeted drugs attack specific vulnerabilities of cancer cells like gene mutations, proteins, or the blood supply of tumors. They tend to have different side effects than chemo. For stage 4 cancer, targeted drugs are often used when tumors have certain biomarkers that can be targeted. They can be used alone or combined with chemo, radiation, or immunotherapy.
The treatment options for stage 4 cancer continue to expand and improve over time. Discussing the options with your oncologist will help determine the best approach based on your cancer type, overall health, symptoms, and personal preferences. While stage 4 cancer is not curable, many of these treatments have led to longer survival and improved quality of life.

Coping With a Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis

Receiving a stage 4 cancer diagnosis can be an emotionally devastating experience. Your mind races with questions about treatment options, prognosis, and how much time you may have left. It’s normal to feel afraid, angry, or depressed. However, there are several coping strategies that can help you navigate this difficult time.

Connect with others

Don’t isolate yourself. Talk to people who care about you, whether it’s family, friends, or a support group. Let others help out with daily tasks like cooking meals, running errands, or cleaning. Their support can help lift your spirits and ease the burden.

Discuss your options thoroughly

Ask your oncologist to explain your treatment options and prognosis in detail. Get second opinions from other specialists. The more you understand your specific situation, the less fearful the unknown may seem. New treatments for stage 4 cancers are emerging rapidly, so be open to clinical trials that could provide innovative options.

Focus on living well

While it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for care and treatment, also try to maintain a good quality of life by doing things you enjoy. Make the most of good days by spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, light exercise like walking, or other activities that boost your mood and outlook. Staying active and social can help combat negative emotions and keep you motivated to continue treatment.

Consider counseling or therapy

Speaking to a grief counselor, or therapist or joining a support group can help you work through intense emotions. Talk therapy gives you a safe space to express feelings of fear, anger, or regret that you may not want to burden others with. A good counselor can also provide coping strategies tailored to your needs.
A stage 4 cancer diagnosis is life-changing, but focusing on self-care, connecting with your support network, and maintaining an active lifestyle can help make your remaining time meaningful. Don’t lose hope — every day is a chance to create new cherished memories. Stay strong in your fight.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the basics on stage 4 cancer and what to expect. The reality is, a late-stage cancer diagnosis is scary and life-changing. But don’t lose hope. With treatment, many people are able to manage stage 4 cancer and live for years. The key is to find an oncologist you trust, explore all options carefully, and choose a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and priorities. Staying positive and maintaining a strong support system around you can make a big difference. Though the road ahead may be difficult, focus on living life as fully as possible. Celebrate small victories, nurture your relationships, and try to find meaning each and every day. You’ve got this. Knowledge is power, so keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor lots of questions. While stage 4 cancer means the cancer has spread, there are more treatment options now than ever before. You can live well with cancer. Keep fighting the good battle and being strong.

Originally published at https://cnetreuters.com on September 4, 2023.