Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: December 2018 | Last updated: December 2025
Living with advanced breast cancer is challenging, both emotionally and physically. Along with symptoms from the disease, treatments used to slow or stop cancer’s growth can cause unwanted side effects. This creates extra strain on a person’s body and emotions.
Some side effects from treatment are temporary and go away once treatment is finished. Others may be long-term or permanent. During treatment for advanced breast cancer, there are ways to help manage these issues and improve a person's quality of life.
Common symptoms of advanced breast cancer
When cancer develops in the breast, it can cause changes in texture or shape. It may cause a lump, dimpling of the skin, changes to the nipple, or nipple discharge.1
When breast cancer spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, symptoms vary depending on where it goes. Bone metastasis can cause pain, fractures, fatigue, or loss of appetite. Lung metastasis can cause breathing trouble, a dry cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or lung pain.2
Liver metastasis may not cause symptoms at first. Often, blood tests find the first signs by measuring enzymes and proteins that change based on how the liver is functioning. However, breast cancer metastasis to the liver may cause jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), itchy skin, belly pain, or loss of appetite.2
Managing symptoms of advanced breast cancer
Treatment for advanced breast cancer may include a mix of local and systemic therapies. Local treatments focus on the tumor in a specific area. Systemic treatments travel throughout the body to treat cancer cells. Treatments aimed at killing or slowing cancer cells can reduce symptoms, though treatments can also cause side effects.3
Along with active treatments, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and side effects to improve quality of life. Palliative care can be given alongside other treatments. It may include medications or procedures to relieve symptoms and make the person feel better.3
Common side effects of breast cancer treatment
Side effects vary from person to person. They depend on factors like the medications, your overall health, and other treatments. Each option carries different risks, so your healthcare team can tell you what to expect. Not everyone on the same treatment has the same experience; intensity varies. Common side effects include:4
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sexual difficulties
How to manage side effects from treatment
Many side effects can be managed or even prevented. Talking to your healthcare team is key. Tell a doctor or nurse about any side effects you have.
Side effects are often temporary and go away after treatment ends. However, some may last longer or be permanent. Lowering doses, changing medications, or delaying treatment can help manage them. Palliative care can also help prevent or relieve side effects.