Learn Your Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk and Personalize Your Treatment With This Vital Test

Katie Couric's cancer journey from being a caregiver, to advocate, to patient has inspired her to learn about and raise awareness for cancer research for more than two decades.
Katie was thrilled to speak with breast oncologist and Chief Patient Experience Officer at Smilow Cancer Hospital Dr. Tara Sanft and one of her patients, Clara, about a breast cancer gene test, @breastcancerindex2614 that can detect a patient's risk of recurrence. In partnership with Biotheranostics, a @HologicInc Company they discussed the different types of breast cancer, the personalization of treatment, and how survivors are more hopeful now than ever before thanks to scientific advancements.
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[@melissamerritt8249]

I’m a 24 year breast cancer survivor. I took meds for 10 years after chemo and radiation. I’m so excited to hear about the treatments and BCI that are now available. I have 5 children that are now high risk because of me and I’m glad improvements are constantly being made for them. Thank you Katie for sharing this information

[@margaretzee8162]

Wow - this is SO much more information than my Oncologist gave me. I am just about to start Arimidex from Stage 2 after a lumpectomy and radiation. It seems daunting, but on the flip side, I am grateful that there are options. And knowledge is power. Thank you!

[@ourclan2663]

Thank you! Thank you! Katie Couric for raising everyones' awareness of this major women's health issue and continuing to keep us informed on the latest research etc. please do not stop!! Your advocacy is making a huge difference to many affected by breast cancer .. more than you know!

[@maryoconnor9360]

I learn SO MUCH from Katie and the people she interviews. She asks all the correct questions and more plus she is sweet , sincere . has a terrific sense of humor -A real lady. Plus her integrity is naturally first and foremost always. Thank you for gracing this planet with your soul Growing up in My Maine my Dad was a Colonel and a fighter Pilot who was extremely strict - no television that was not educational.... But by I remember being in diapers and allowed to watch the Today Show first thing in the morning - when it first aired. Thank you God Bless you and your Family

[@barbwinkler2291]

I had a 4mm invasive cancer removed with a lumpectomy in November of 2021. Following 16 radiation sessions, it was recommended that I continue treatment with an aromatase inhibitor. When researching aromatase inhibitors, I was overwhelmed with all of the potential side affects. However, after taking the ai, anastrozole, for 17 months, I am happy to report that the side affects have been mild. I feel fortunate that there is medication which reduces the chances of a cancer reoccurrence. I hated having mammograms, but by identifying my cancer when it was small and treatable, my prognosis is positive and my treatment is manageable. 😊

[@kisslena]

My story is similar to yours. I took anastrozole first and found it difficult to take in terms of extreme side effects. On letrozole now and the side effects are somewhat less. I too feel thankful for a drug to support disease-free health. I would like to see a more targeted bio-identical test to determine the efficacy of the AI drug on our individual system. We each metabolize drugs differently. The Breast Cancer Index test is helpful in terms of identifying genetic factors.

[@clairebeever3038]

I tried anastozole horrible side effects I’m 49 could not even get down my stairs joint pain mood change felt sick 🤢 could have put up with that but started to get terrible migraines if not a migraine I would have headache all had to stop no quality of life … I’m trying letrazole now and after a month bone pain back hot sweats mood change but again had 2 migraines and headache more frequent 😢 I will keep trying but if the migraines get worse I’m done . I have to go back to work . I live a lone I’ve had a year off with chemo mastectomy radiation also on targeted therapy drug which come with a whole load of side effects then they want me to start another drug just 😢so sick of it all hate cancer mine has come back so second time I’ve been through all the treatments so much damage caused to my body it’s brutal ❤ to other cancer patients

[@Satya2btrue]

I’m similar to you. I’m on letrozole & the only symptom has been thinning hair. Lots of walking & taking supplements to support wellbeing.

[@gretacooper6080]

My case is very similar. I have 2 rad treatments to go. Started aromatase inhibitor May 1. Side effects are pretty bad, nausea and poor sleep. Did your side effects decrease over time?

[@camillep9346]

Amazing.... thank you Katie you are a Gem!!! I naturally reduced the inhibitors as the joint pain completely ruined my mobility and quality of life. I couldn't use my right wrist for 18 months and osteoarthritis exacerbated to a miserable quality of life. Reducing the dosage has helped my comfort levels more than I can say. This is a wonderful contribution ♥️👏

[@quasimodem5260]

Thanks for mentioning that the side effects of aromatase inhibitors are trying! They are tough.

[@carolschumacher71]

Please include information about the other types of breast cancer, like triple negative and triple positive breast cancer

[@KAAnn-uc8nn]

My breast cancer is (was) HER2 positive. I had 4 months chemo, surgery, radiation, followed by 8 months more of a lesser chemo. Now I'm on Letrozole (for 5 years). I have trouble sleeping as well as really thin hair. Day-to-day, I think, what happens after 5 years? My oncologist is, well, not the best in terms of bedside manner. She talks like jackhammer and sort of says, here's your treatment and that's about it. Her doctoring has left me feeling scared and unsure. Now I know more. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@tommy7fun]

Find another doctor. She sounds awful. Wishing you the Best.

[@user-bw6ll2on8b]

Katie, bless you. This has been my journey. I had to fight to get my test paid for…took a year to get approved. Next can you do a show on how our Dr.s should be able to say on all treatments v.s. the insurance companies? It’s so disappointing.

[@janeshipe4898]

can you take breast cancer index test BEFORE deciding initially on aromatase therapy?

[@life2.03]

Katie, please teach about options for radiation after recurrence of ER/PR positive BC. This video is amazing.

[@jpb1085]

My oncologist at BC Cancer doesn't use the Breast Cancer Index - in fact, I don't think any doctors in BC use Breast Cancer Index.

[@briggettecammett6181]

You asked great questions Katie! Ty!

[@Madison7807]

What is the absolute risk reduction and the number needed to treat for these therapies?

[@kata8012]

Thank you for this invaluable explanation and information! I had top care after discovering I had breast cancer - but even at that, this episode gives a fuller explanation and more information so I can understand what is out there to help predict recurrence!

[@barbinnes1429]

I had the oncotype test in 2006. Finally insurance paid after it took 2 years How does this compare?

[@lorrainelucero832]

I stopped taking the inhibitors due to the severe side effects including an increase to my cholesterol and blood pressure, resulting in a "minor" heart attack due to a blockage. No one including three different oncologists has brought up this test. I am dismayed that as women we continue to be affected by poor oncologist teammates and rely on the tremendous public service provided by our beloved Katie. I will continue to replace (fire) my physicians in my quest to find the right oncologist.

[@kathysegale1196]

When people talk about breast cancer they leave so much out. We all have to have a hysterectomy if it’s estrogen driven. I can list 15 (FIFTEEN) side affects. Being in a support group is so helpful because we are the only ones that understand the side effects such as trigger fingers and more. Girlfriends that I talk to say no you’re aging it’s not from the hormone blocker. When there are 20 of us that all developed this side affect you can’t tell us it’s not from the hormone blocker. I will continue to take the hormone blocker, so the cancer doesn’t come back. I will also continue to love and support everyone who is hurting in one way or another with no judgment. God is the one that is holding me up steady and strong. I love all my pink sisters..

[@MtHa-yu2sf]

The inhibitors are hard to take.

[@samriddhi48]

What about TNBC???

[@sueu6263]

I’m losing so much hair with the anastrozole 😩! Don’t know what to do😱. Hate this!

[@clairebeever3038]

My hair is falling out too stopped anastrozole terrible side effects for me

[@becklyn2017]

@@clairebeever3038 You have to do what is right for you. NO guarantees! I decided not even to start them because of all the horrible stories. Good luck!

[@clairebeever3038]

Some women have to work I’m single and all the side effects are just too much …. 😢 hormone blockers I just cannot take no quality of life

[@cindy-ry3kp]

I'm in the same boat. I'm unable to tolerate the side effects of sleeplessness, severe fatigue, and resulting mood changes. The hot flashes, I could manage. Not being able to walk for 30 minutes and stand to fix a meal, unmanageable!

[@kinm7272]

I can't take them either

[@quasimodem5260]

It’s tough!

[@clairebeever3038]

No no drug after drug

[@peternole5083]

The information this doctor is dispensing is incorrect. Your chances of a reoccurrence are not 40 percent. They are double what it says on your oncotype.

[@briggettecammett6181]

Yes, that number of 40 that she quoted confused me as well cuz Oncotype score is supposed to be the real number for recurrence.

[@bchmom03]

These meds are so toxic. I tell you women deserve better.

[@xristianin.496]

Есть ад и рай сделай выбор

[@user-qw5pi2eq7i]

اللهم اشف الجميع الناس من كل امراض وعلى الناس التقرب الى الله ورسوله وطاعته والرجوع له وهو النافع والمشافي واذامرتو فهويشفين فلاشفاالاشفائه فشف كل مسلم ومسلمه ومؤمن ومؤمنه بلله ورسوله وفقير لك ومال وغني والعالم كله حتى يرجعولك ويعرفوك انك انت النافع والمشافي ولكافي وسبب الصرطان كثرت الهرمون الذي في الثدي ويحاول النساء الحفاظ على محافظت االثدي وعدم كثرته من الهرمون والمداعبه به حتي يكثر من الهرمون وغير المداعبه وكثرة النضر للحرام وحتى تكثر الهرمون وغيره من الفحش وغيره والتوبه من كل الحرام وغيره والرجوع الى الله ورسوله والله هو المشافي وهو كثرت الهرمون

[@conniee5782]

Thank you so much for this info. Does anyone know if the Breast Cancer Index the same (or similar) to the OncoDX test that I had a number of years ago when I had breast cancer?

[@emilypinto4952]

Hi! Oncotype is done before treatment to determine if you'll need chemo. BCI is done after 5 years to determine if you will benefit from additional hormone therapy. Hope this helps! x

[@janeshipe4898]

@@emilypinto4952 Oncotype also offers a "percent of recurrence" IN GENERAL as well as if CHEMO would be beneficial as I was explained.....

[@bsebrell]

Oncotype is predictive of benefit of chemotherapy at the beginning of treatment and provides a 10 year risk of recurrence. BCI predicts wether you will benefit from extended endocrine (Tamoxifen/AI's) therapy and is usually ordered around year 4-5 of treatment. BCI will also give you a risk of recurrence specifically for years 5-10.

[@thomaswilson7441]

🤍