The Breast Cancer Index® test: Guiding Optimal Extended Endocrine Therapy Decisions for HR+ Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivors

If you’re an early-stage, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer survivor, you may be wondering about the best course of action when it comes to extending your endocrine therapy beyond the standard 5 years. This is where the Breast Cancer Index® test (BCI) comes in – a genomic assay that can help you and your doctor make personalized decisions about your treatment plan.

What is the Breast Cancer Index Test?

BCI is the only genomic assay recognized by leading oncology guidelines, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from extending their endocrine therapy beyond 5 years.1 By analyzing your unique genomic profile, BCI provides valuable insights into your risk of recurrence and potential benefit from continued treatment.

Avoiding Over- and Under-treatment with BCI

A recent real-world study involving over 1,000 HR+ early-stage breast cancer survivors found that without BCI testing, a significant number of patients may be either over- or undertreated.2In fact, after receiving BCI results, physicians changed their extended endocrine therapy recommendations for 40% of the patients. Roughly 2/3 of these changes were from a “yes” to a “no,” potentially sparing patients from unnecessary side effects, while about 1/3 were from a “no” to a “yes,” ensuring that patients who were likely to benefit received the continued treatment they needed.

Boosting Confidence and Comfort in Treatment Decisions

BCI doesn’t just impact treatment recommendations – it also helps physicians feel more confident in their decisions and empowers patients to take an active role in their care. The study found that 39% of physicians felt more confident in their recommendations after receiving BCI results, and 41.4% of patients reported feeling more comfortable with their treatment plan.2 By providing personalized information, BCI allows you to make informed decisions about your health in collaboration with your healthcare team.

Ask Your Doctor About BCI

If you’re an HR+, early-stage breast cancer survivor approaching the 5-year mark of your endocrine therapy, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about the BCI test. By gaining insight into your unique genomic profile, you can work with your healthcare team to create a personalized treatment plan that balances your individual needs and goals. Remember, knowledge is power!

Supporting Your Journey with Learn Look Locate

At Learn Look Locate, we’re committed to providing the most up-to-date information and support for breast cancer survivors navigating their journey. As research continues to advance our understanding of personalized medicine in breast cancer treatment, we’ll be here to keep you informed and empowered every step of the way.