Breast cancer can spread to other areas and organs within the body via the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Secondary breast cancer is when cells from the primary breast tumour breakaway and settle somewhere else in the body. The most common sites are the lungs, bones, liver or brain. Because these cells have come from an existing breast tumour they develop and behave the same as those within the breast. They are therefore treated in the same way, which is why they are known as secondary breast cancer.

Your consultant or nurse can discuss secondary breast cancer with you further and answer any questions you may have.