97 Conclusions Information about the epidemiology of MBC is currently lacking. • Prevalence and incidence of MBC. The prevalence and incidence of patients with MBC is unknown. Also unknown is whether the number of recurrent MBC patients is increasing, decreasing, or staying the same. Without this information, we cannot accurately and effectively demonstrate the need for services or plan and fund the application of services. • Disease course by population and MBC subtype. Disease trajectories, outcomes, and patient experiences for the different subtypes of MBC have not been well characterized. • Impact of MBC treatment. Many critical questions regarding the optimal treatment of MBC remain unresolved. It is imperative that the use, effectiveness, and impact of MBC treatments on the overall MBC population be understood. • Length and variability of MBC survival. Despite existing research, we have no accurate estimate of how long MBC patients are likely to live. The factors underlying observed variability in median survival across studies are unknown. Among the potential factors are differences in access to newer drugs (especially targeted therapies) and multiple lines of treatment, access to careful follow-up and expert palliative care to preserve optimal quality of life, and the presence of co-morbidities. • MBC disparities. Despite research demonstrating poorer outcomes for disadvantaged, underinsured populations overall, we don’t know the true impact of socioeconomic factors on what treatment and care are available for MBC patients and, in turn, how this may affect duration of survival and quality of life. Forthepast30years,thebreastcancercommunityhas been aleader inpatientsupport, advocacy,andresearch.Advocateshaveapivotalroletoplay in theplanning andimplementation offutureresearch.TheMBCAlliancecancontinuetoleadtheway by helping policy makers and otherMBCstakeholderstoestablishtheblueprintsfor collectionofepidemiologicdatathatwill allowpatientswithMBCtobefollowed,tobevisible,andtofinally count.