WHEREAS, Thousands of families across California are affected by metastatic breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, Much of the talk around breast cancer focuses on early detection and routine diagnosis, where we have seen tremendous progress in the last 30 years; and

WHEREAS, The story for advanced disease is quite different. Metastatic breast cancer patients continue to face many unique challenges, such as the emotional and physical demands of continual treatment; and

WHEREAS, Currently no cure exists for metastatic breast cancer and those with metastatic breast cancer will continue treatment indefinitely with the goal of extending the best quality life possible; and

WHEREAS, More than one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetimes. Specifically in California, it is expected that 27,980 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, it is estimated that over 154,000 women have metastatic breast cancer. This devastating stage of breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver and brain; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, it is estimated that more than 4,440 women in California will die of breast cancer, nearly all due to metastatic breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, Metastatic breast cancer affects all races and socioeconomic classes. Although white women see the greatest incidence of breast cancer, the mortality rate for African American women with breast cancer is higher than in white women, and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for Hispanic women; and

WHEREAS, Any discussions of breast cancer should include the spectrum from screening through the treatment and support of those with metastatic breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, The patient, family, health, and economic burdens of metastatic breast cancer are large; and

WHEREAS, Metastatic breast cancer cuts short the lives of too many people in California, leaving a lasting effect on their families; and

WHEREAS, While there have been treatment advances in metastatic breast cancer, many of those advances have benefited a small subset of patients with specific types of metastatic breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, While metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, there is reason to be hopeful. Extensive research efforts are underway to address this high unmet need; and

WHEREAS, ClinicalTrials.gov is a searchable database that provides patients, family members, and the public with information about current ongoing clinical research studies; and

WHEREAS, Additional focus is needed on the personal and social burdens of metastatic breast cancer, the needs of the patient, and promising research efforts in the development of more effective treatments; and

WHEREAS, There is still more research to be done for metastatic breast cancer so that new and more effective treatments can be developed. Observation of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day sheds light on the devastation metastatic breast cancer brings to communities throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, Individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can speak with their physicians to learn more about the disease and to find support groups and services in their communities or online; now therefore, be it