The Fingerprint of Your Tumor
Understanding my breast cancer diagnosis to me was so important. I wanted to know everything! Will I need chemo? How aggressive was my tumor? I had so many questions and wanted to be empowered with information.
Your tumor is very unique and has its own set of fingerprints. There are tests to help us understand the personality of our tumors called genomic assays. These tests analyze the activity of certain genes in early-stage breast cancer This is also using precision medicine ’ –dissecting the tumor down to the microscopic level to see unique characteristics which translates into actionable information—which helps doctors use specific information to make medical decisions in your best interest.
By gaining a deeper, molecular view into your cancer, your doctors will have a better idea on how your body is going to respond to different treatments and they will be able to provide you with critical information about your diagnosis and risk of recurrence. To me, this was so important as I felt so overwhelmed with uncertainty.
I learned about a test called MammaPrint. It is an early-stage personalized breast cancer test that looks at the genomic behavior of YOUR tumor to help guide treatment decisions for both chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. The test will result with either a genomic Low Risk (low benefit to chemo would outweigh the risk and long-term side effects) or a genomic High Risk (chemotherapy)will help reduce your risk of cancer coming back). It can also help identify if extended endocrine (hormone) therapy is needed (Ultra Low Risk). MammaPrint can be used on any early-stage patient, regardless of age or ethnicity, with up to 3+ lymph nodes, 5cm or less and is FDA cleared. I had a deep discussion with my doctor, and we made the decision together to order it for me.
To know more about MammaPrint, visit:
KnowYourBreastCancer
Post is supported by a grant from Agendia