Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment

The massive amount of research and resources that have been directed towards breast cancer are really paying off. At the recent SABCS conference, doctors and scientists shared breakthroughs and follow-up studies that are cause for optimism.

To dig into the news, Loriana is joined by her personal Breast Oncologist, Dr. Kevin Kalinsky, the director of the Glenn Family Breast Center at Emory Winship Cancer Center in Atlanta.

Some of the best news coming out of the conference was HER2+ breast cancer, which is about 25% of cases. In the mid 2000s, it was one of the most aggressive breast cancers. Today is it highly treatable, and patients are living longer.

Other novel therapies and targeted therapies are postponing or even eliminating chemotherapy from some treatment protocol -- how great would that be?

Advances in genetic testing have also been impactful; 75% of patients don't have a family history but we are constantly learning about new genes that are clinically important and could impact your treatment.   Dr. Kalinsky urges all cancer patients to advocate for themselves. Genetic testing is not as common as it should be; there are major disparities in this area linked to race and income.    This episode is full of exciting research and insights that all breast cancer survivors should hear.   If you know someone who should hear this episode, please forward it to them.   And remember...   Fear should not drive your decisions, information should. Have a real conversation with your doctor, get the facts, and make sure you address the human component too. Only you know what will make you sleep better at night.