Breast CancerLiving With HR+/HER2– Metastatic Breast Cancer

Find Balance and Avoid ‘Scanxiety’ as HR+/HER2– Metastatic Breast Cancer Progresses

Metastatic Breast Cancer Progression: Defining Treatment Goals and Next Steps

Scans and tests are a routine part of metastatic breast cancer treatment, but it’s important to find balance between keeping progression in check and developing ‘scanxiety.’
Metastatic Breast Cancer Progression: Defining Treatment Goals and Next Steps

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Talking to Your Oncologist About HR+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment

Talking to Your Oncologist About HR+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment00:03:30
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Published on May 16, 2025
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When you have HR+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer, a big part of treatment includes monitoring the condition with routine scans, physical exams, and blood tests. But the type of testing you’ll need — and how often you’ll need it — will partly depend on your treatment goals.

Ideally, treatment will “limit the progression of the cancer and maintain quality and longevity of life,” says Hanna Y. Irie, MD, PhD, an oncologist at Mount Sinai Hospital and associate professor of medicine and oncological sciences at Icahn School of Medicine in New York City.

Other, more specific goals may include:

  • Extending your lifespan
  • Experiencing fewer side effects
  • Having more energy
  • Continuing to work
  • Staying physically active
  • Attending special events or traveling

Talk with your oncology team about which goals are most important to you, then check in regularly with your care team. Test results will help your doctors determine whether your current treatment plan is working well or if it’s time to make a change.

How Frequently Should You Go for Check-Ins?

Depending on the symptoms you have, you may visit your care team for regular check-ins anywhere from once every few weeks to once every few months.

“The most important thing is how someone is feeling,” says Dr. Irie. If you’re experiencing pain, nausea, or headaches, for example, you may need to come in more frequently than you would if you weren’t having many symptoms.

Some tests you may receive include:

  • A physical exam, which checks for physical changes in the body. (These tests also give you the chance to discuss new or worsening symptoms with your provider.)
  • Tumor marker tests, such as cancer antigen 15-3 or cancer antigen 27-29, which can indicate whether your tumor has shrunk.
  • Routine blood work, including kidney and liver function tests, which can help your doctor monitor treatment side effects.
  • Scans and imaging tests, which can monitor the growth of the tumor. The most common imaging tests include computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and bone scans.

If you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms or new side effects from treatment, let your oncologist know. They may suggest coming in for more frequent check-ins or doing additional testing.

What to Do Before, During, and After a Scan

Although tests and scans are a common part of managing metastatic breast cancer, it’s understandable to feel anxious leading up to, during, or after a scan (a feeling that’s known as ‘scanxiety’).

These tips can help put you at ease.

Before the Scan

  • Ask your care team what to expect. Knowing how long the scan will last and which part of your body it will focus on can help you avoid any surprises on scan day.
  • Ask when you’ll get the results. Understanding whether you’ll get the results immediately or days later can help prepare you for the wait.
  • Speak up. If you’re having trouble eating or sleeping in the days or weeks leading up to your scans, let your care team know. They may suggest short-term medications to get you through this difficult period.
  • Talk to a counselor or therapist. A mental health professional can meet with you before scan day and give you tools to manage any fear or anxiety you have.
  • Join a support group. Connecting with others who share your fears can make you feel less alone.

On Scan Day

  • Practice relaxation techniques. On the morning of the scan, try your favorite calming ritual to reduce stress. Ask your care team if you can do breathing exercises during the scan, as well.
  • Bring a loved one with you. A friend or family member can help you stay calm while you wait. They can also be a friendly face to greet you when the scan is finished. You may also want to have someone with you when you get your results.
  • Come prepared for the waiting room. Bring something enjoyable to focus on while you wait, such as a book, handheld game, or music (but don’t forget earbuds or headphones, too).

After the Scan

  • Do something enjoyable afterward. If you can, plan a fun or relaxing activity for yourself to take your mind off the results.

If you’d prefer coming in for more or less frequent testing, let your doctor know. Ultimately, the decision rests with you and your care team. It “requires an open, frank relationship between the provider and patient,” says Irie.

The Takeaway

  • The treatment goals for metastatic breast cancer can vary from person to person, so keep your care team informed of your decisions.
  • To determine how well treatment is working, your care team will monitor you with imaging tests (scans), blood work, and physical exams.
  • ‘Scanxiety’ is possible before, during, or after a scan. To cope, practice relaxation techniques or bring a loved one to your appointment for additional support.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Monitoring Metastatic Breast Cancer. Susan G. Komen. February 19, 2025.
  2. Graham LJ et al. Current Approaches and Challenges in Monitoring Treatment Responses in Breast Cancer. Journal of Cancer. January 5, 2014.
  3. Derry-Vick HM et al. Scanxiety Among Adults with Cancer: A Scoping Review to Guide Research and Interventions. Cancers. March 1, 2023.
Meet Our Experts
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Tingting Tan, MD, PhD

Medical Reviewer

Tingting Tan, MD, PhD, is a medical oncologist at City of Hope National Medical Center.

Dr. Tan's research has been published in multiple medical and scientific journals, including Oncologists, Cancer Cell, and Genes and Development.

A graduate of the Beijing Medical University, Tan holds an M.D. from Peking University Health Science Center and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University. Her training includes fellowships at the University of California San Francisco Cancer Research Institute and the Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple University.

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Amy Gragnolati

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Author

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a clinical pharmacist and medical writer. She is board certified in pharmacotherapy and holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

After completing her education at the University of Georgia, she worked as a clinical pharmacist at the University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital, specializing in pediatric intensive care, oncology, and cardiac care. She then worked at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco in addiction medicine and adult family medicine. After five years at Kaiser, she worked as a pharmacy editor at GoodRx for four years.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys yoga and has her registered yoga teacher certification. She’s also an avid baker and cook, and loves hosting friends and family for a big meal. On weekends, you can typically find her outside enjoying nature with her husband and kids.

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