Can people live for years with metastatic cancer?

Yes. Some people can live for years with metastatic cancer that is well controlled.

There are treatments for most types of metastatic cancer. Often, the goal of treatment is to control the cancer by stopping or slowing its growth rather than curing it. Other treatments may improve quality of life by relieving symptoms; this is called palliative care, and it can be given at any point during treatment.

The treatment that fits a person depends on their type of primary cancer, where it has spread, treatments they have had before, and their general health. Because every situation is different, your health care team is the best source of information about what to expect and which options, including clinical trials, may be right for you.