Taking a break from metastatic breast cancer treatment

Often, you won't know how long your treatment will continue for metastatic breast cancer. It can be a challenge to balance side effects with your lifestyle and daily activities.

Sometimes you may want to take a break from treatment (a 'treatment holiday'). Or, you may decide to stop treatment completely.

You are always in control of your treatment decisions.

If you’re thinking about pausing or stopping treatment, talk to your treating team about why and what might happen as a result. They will make the decision with you. It is important you can live a life that is meaningful for you and of the best possible quality.

Why people take breaks from breast cancer treatment

A break can let you enjoy yourself without having to manage treatment and side effects. Some people decide to pause treatment for:

• a special event, such as a wedding or celebration
• a trip or holiday.

You may want to take a longer break. For example if the side effects are too much and affect your ability to enjoy life and do the things you want to do.

Options for taking a break

Your medical oncologist can talk to you about your options. These may be:

• have a rest from your normal treatments
• have a longer time between treatments
• use a different treatment that may have fewer side effects.

Tell your doctor how you feel and about your goals in life. Together you can work out a treatment plan that best suits your needs.