Principles of palliative therapy in the care of patients with metastatic breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the female population in all regions of Brazil, except in the North, where cervical cancer occupies this position. The mortality rate due to breast cancer, adjusted by the world population, was 14.23 deaths/100,000 women in 2019, with the highest rates in the Southeast and South regions, with 16.14 and 15.08 deaths/100,000 women, respectively. Considering the increase in the number of cases of cancer – especially breast cancer – part of them in advanced stage and without possibility of cure, that is, metastatic, it is evident the need and importance of palliative care (PC) that aim comfort and management at the end of the life of cancer patients.